92"B5« 


w 


GLolxxxxtbia  (&0lU$z 
\x  the  ©Ittr  of  igtenr  U<xrJt 


gilrrartj- 


GIVEN     BY 


|U*x.  f .  ftrtbatL 


,.«*-- 


;** 


SKETCH 


OF 


ANTONIO  BISHALLANY, 


A  SYRIAN  OF  MOUNT  LEBANON. 


BY  REV.  CHARLES  WHITEHEAD. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE 
AMERICAN   TRACT  SOCIETY, 

150  NASSAU-STREET,  NEW  YORK. 


f 4  £ 


^f 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER   I. 

Birth — Mountain  home — Religious  sects — Family  flight      5 

CHAPTER    II. 

New  home  —  Beirut  —  Divine  providence  —  Purchase  and 
study  of  the  Bible — Persecution — Trial  and  wonderful 
deliverance — Bible  for  the  people 19 

CHAPTER   III. 

Becomes  dragoman — Wishes  to  be  a  missionary — Pleasing 
incidents — Embarks  for  America — Voyage — Arrival  at 
Boston— Comes  to  New  York — Love  for  the  Scriptures — 
Failing  health — Visit  to  Richfield  Springs  • 61 

CHAPTER   IV. 

Enters  Amenia  Seminary — Returns  to  the  city — Meets  with 
Italians  in  Union-square — Discussion  on  Popery — Deep 
interest  in  Catholics — Letter — Increasing  sickness — Cor- 
respondence  95 

CHAPTER    V. 

Returns  to  Amenia — Correspondence — Bids  adieu  to  the 
Seminary,  and  abandons  the  hope  of  being  a  mission- 
ary— Deep  affliction  and  comfort  —Removed  to  the  Hos- 


-:  ,-s    ■} 


4  CONTENTS. 

pital — Resignation — Letter  to  his  brother — Comforting 
letters  from  Christian  friends — Strong  faith — Death  and 
funeral 137 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Conclusion - - 200 

Instructive  Lessons 207 

Scripture  Selections  by  Antonio 228 


ANTONIO  BISHALLANY, 

A  SYRIAN  OF   MOUNT  LEBANON 


CHAPTER  I. 


Antonio  Bishallany  was  born  August  22, 
1827,  in  the  village  of  Salima,  on  mount  Leb- 
anon. This  mountain  is  said  to  be  three* 
hundred  miles  in  circumference,  and  its  lofti- 
est peak  not  less  than  ten  thousand  feet  high ; 
some  parts  of  it  being  covered  with  perpetual 
snow.  Its  sides  and  the  valleys  lying  be- 
tween its  various  ridges  are  remarkable  for 
their  fertility,  and  abound  in  fruit  and  trees 
of  beautiful  shape  and  foliage.  The  almond- 
tree,  the  fig,  the  olive,  the  mulberry,  and  the 
vine  grow  luxuriantly,  and  yield  their  deli- 
cious products  in  abundance.  Here  also  is 
seen  a  peculiar  tree  resembling   somewhat 


6  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

in  appearance  the  apple-tree,  though  more 
bushy  and  thickset,  with  darker  and  longer 
leaves.  It  is  called  the  kharnb,  and  bears  a 
pod  which  is  nsed  as  a  food  for  swine,  and 
with  which,  it  is  said,  the  poor  prodigal 
wonld  haye  filled  his  belly.  Here  too  grows 
the  sycarnore-tree,  not  the  one  which  bears 
that  name  with  us,  commonly  called  the  but- 
ton-wood, but  a  tree  bearing  several  crops  of 
figs  during  the  year,  usually  planted  by  the 
wayside,  and  easily  climbed;  so  that  Zacche- 
us  found  a  convenient  position  among  the 
branches  of  the  sycamore,  to  wait  for  the 
passing  crowd  and  catch  a  sight  of  the  great 
Redeemer.  Travellers  speak  too  of  groves 
of  pines,  the  box,  the  fir-tree,  and  the  m\-  - 
tie — rich  evergreens,  that  are  pleasant  to  the 
eye,  and  give  to  the  mountain  its  deep  ver- 
dant tinge  and  velvet  richness,  when  gazed 
upon  with  delight  by  those  who  visit  the 
holy  land  and  behold  the  goodly  Lebanon. 

The  mountain  is  especially  celebrated  for 
its  large  and  valuable  cedars.  But  of  these 
noble  trees  comparatively  few  remain.  To 
them  the  psalmist  compares  the  Christian. 
"The  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the  palm- 


MOUNT  LEBANON.  7 

tree ;  lie  shall  grow  like  a  cedar  in  Lebanon." 
Tlie  sacred  Scriptures  often  speak  of  Leba- 
non. Some  of  Isaiah's  most  elegant  imagery 
is  derived  from  its  scenery;  and  how  must 
Moses  have  conceived  of  its  beauteous  aspect, 
when  he  prayed  the  Lord  that  he  might  be 
permitted  to  pass  over  Jordan,  that  he  might 
"see  the  good  land  beyond,  that  goodly 
mountain,  and  Lebanon." 

A  little  village  on  this  celebrated  mountain 
was  the  birthplace  and  early  home  of  Anto- 
nio. Here  his  young  mind  unfolded  amid 
the  boldest  of  nature's  works,  and  acquired 
that  vigor  and  independence  of  thought  for 
which  he  was  afterwards  distinguished.  And 
here,  among  flowers  and  trees  and  fruits,  he 
gained  the  first  conceptions  of  that  great  and 
benevolent  God  whom  he  so  ardently  loved 
when,  in  after-years,  he  beheld  him  in  the 
light  of  revelation. 

Antonio's  father  was  a  dresser  of  the  vine 
and  olive.  The  vine  was  extensively  culti- 
vated in  Lebanon,  and  in  other  parts  of  Pal- 
estine. We  read  of  the  grapes  of  Eshcol, 
which  the  men  who  went  to  spy  out  the  land 
of  Canaan  brought  back ;  and  as  one  cluster 


8  ANTONIO-BISHALLANY. 

was  carried  by  two  men  on  a  staff,  we  pre- 
sume it  was  very  large,  and  that  the  grapes 
of  that  country  attained  an  uncommon  degree 
of  perfection.  The  Saviour,  when  on  earth, 
often  drew  his  illustrations  from  the  yine. 

The  wine  it  produced  was  also  well  known 
in  the  holy  land,  and  furnished  the  scriptu- 
ral writers  an  expressive  figure  by  which  to 
represent  the  rich  provision  of  the  gospel. 
Hence  the  prophet  cries,  "Ho,  every  one  that 
thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters,  and  he  that 
hath  no  money ;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea, 
come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and 
without  price." 

What  were  the  character  and  disposition  of 
Antonio  during  his  boyhood,  the  writer  has 
no  means  of  learning.  He  was  probably  of 
sprightly  disposition,  active  in  his  movements, 
and  possessing  in«a  high  degree  the  playful- 
ness and  ardor  usually  characteristic  of  that 
period  of  life.  Not  unlikely  he  often  accom- 
panied his  father  and  brothers  in  their  cus- 
tomary occupation,  and  either  watched  them 
as  they  prepared  the  soil  or  trained  and 
pruned  the  vines,  or  aided  them  in  the  pleas- 
ing employment.     And  we  may  readily  sup- 


PARENTAGE.  9 

pose  that  lie  wandered  occasionally  among 
the  hills,  climbed  the  trees,  and  gathered  the 
fruits  that  hung  in  ripening  clusters  in  the 
vicinity  of  his  home.  At  one  time  he  might 
probably  have  been  seen  sitting  beneath  one 
of  the  tall  cedars  of  his  native  forest,  and  at 
another  standing  upon  a  projecting  rock, 
and  looking  out  upon  the  blue  Mediterranean, 
while  its  freshening  breezes  fanned  his  face 
and  strengthened  his  opening  manhood. 

His  parents  were  poor,  but  honest  and  in- 
dustrious, and  gained  a  humble  subsistence 
by  their  daily  toil.  Although  originally  of 
Arab  lineage,  Antonio  was  not  a  Mussulman, 
but  a  devotee  of  the  Maronite  or  Romish 
church,  which  in  Syria  contends  with  the 
Greek  for  supremacy,  while  both  are  in  per- 
petual danger  from  the  inroads  of  the  Mo- 
hammedan pashas,  who  lord  it  over  the 
mixed  races  that  now  occupy  the  glorious 
land  of  Palestine.  Antonio's  earliest  recol- 
lections were  of  hard  labor,  scanty  fare,  and 
constant  danger.  First  the  ruling  pasha, 
then  his  horde  of  underlings,  and  lastly  the 
Roinish  priest,  had  to  be  paid  their  dues, 
legal  or  illegal.     In  this  way  the  hard  earn- 


10  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ings  of  Antonio's  father  were  consumed,  and 
his  family  kept  in  poverty. 

How  wonderful  the  purposes  of  divine 
grace!  In  this  family,  thus  poor  and  op- 
pressed by  civil  and  ecclesiastical  power,  in 
the  obscure  recesses  of  an  eastern  mountain, 
where  ignorance  and  superstition  held  their 
sway,  and  the  members  of  that  family  were 
all  in  gloomy  vassalage  to  a  false  religion — 
even  there,  amid  circumstances  so  unfavora- 
ble to  piety,  God  had  his  chosen  child  in  the 
person  of  poor  Antonio  the  Syrian  Arab,  who, 
though  then  himself  a  bigoted  Maronite,  was 
yet  to  be  enlightened  by  the  gospel,  and  be- 
come a  faithful  Mend  and  advocate  of  the 
truth  of  Christianity.  The  Lord  hath  his 
hidden  ones.  Like  the  precious  gem,  they 
may  now  be  imbedded  in  the  gross  material 
of  earth,  and  their  value  be  unknown ;  but  in 
his  own  time  He  will  apply  the  instruments  of 
truth  and  grace,  and  so  divest  them  of  their 
outer  covering  of  depraved  habits,  and  so 
polish  and  brighten  the  inward  graces  of 
their  hearts  as  to  render  them  brilliant  stones 
in  his  holy  temple.  Thus  God  illustrates 
his  wisdom  and  grace,  and  makes  manifest 


MARONITES.  11 

that  in  the  conversion  of  souls  "  it  is  not  by 
might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  my  Spirit,  saith 
the  Lord  of  hosts." 

Syria  has  always  been  occupied  by  differ- 
ent tribes,  who  have  their  different  religions. 
Sectarian  prejudices  and  animosities  prevail 
between  them,  and  often  they  become  in- 
volved in  civil  war.  The  Moslems  or  Turks 
are  the  ruling  class,  and  number  eight  hun- 
dred thousand.  Besides  these  are  the  Greeks, 
the  Armenians,  the  Nusairiyeh,  the  Maron- 
ites,  and  the  Druzes,  with  other  smaller 
tribes,  making  in  all  a  population  of  more 
than  1,610,000.  In  addition  to  these  are  the 
Arabs,  who  roam  over  the  deserts,  the  de- 
scendants of  Ishmael  of  whom  it  was  pre- 
dicted, "He  will  be  a  wild  man;  his  hand 
will  be  against  every  man,  and  e^ery  man's 
hand  against  him." 

The  Maronites,  with  whom  the  Bishallany 
family  were  connected,  were  a  numerous  sect 
on  mount  Lebanon,  comprising,  it  is  said, 
between  two  and  three  hundred  thousand 
souls.  They  derived  their  name  from  John 
Maro,  an  ecclesiastic  who  lived  in  the  char- 
acter of  a  monk  in  the  famous  convent  of 


12  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

Saint  Maro,  upon  the  borders  of  the  Orontes. 
For  some  centuries  this  people  were  excluded 
from  the  Eomish  church,  for  holding  the 
doctrines  of  a  sect  called  Monothelites.  But 
renouncing  this  heresy,  they  were  readmitted 
in  the  year  1182  to  the  communion  of  the 
Roman  church,  and  became  again  subject  to 
the  Pope.  They  have  a  patriarch  who  re- 
sides in  the  monastery  of  Cannubin,  on  mount 
Lebanon,  and  assumes  the  title  of  Patriarch 
of  Antioch,  and  the  name  of  Peter,  as  if  de- 
sirous of  being  considered  the  successor  of 
the  apostle.  Antonio  could  speak  from  his 
own  experience  of  their  exclusive  and  perse- 
cuting spirit,  of  the  wall  of  separation  exist- 
ing between  them  and  Protestant  Christians, 
and  of  the  impossibility  of  any  Maronite  re- 
nouncing his  faith  without  incurring  the 
severest  anathemas. 

The  Druzes  are  about  100,000  in  popula- 
tion, and  live  chiefly  in  villages  in  the  higher 
parts  of  Lebanon.  Their  religion  is  a  mix- 
ture of  idolatry  with  fanciful  speculation, 
transplanted  from  Egypt  to  Syria  by  Derazy, 
from  whom  the  sect  derived  its  name.  The 
most  celebrated  of  their  sacred  places  is  on 


DRUZES.  13 

the  top  of  a  liill  just  above  Hasbeiya.   Druze 
Khulwehs,  as  their  sacred  places  are  called, 
have  nothing  of  the  appearance  of  places  of 
worship,  and  are  hardly  distinguished  from 
common  dwelling-houses.     Cleanliness,  sim- 
plicity, and   quiet   are   their   distinguishing 
characteristics;    and  the  visitor  is  received 
with  a  hospitality  so  urgent,  that  it  is  gener- 
ally impossible,  without  absolute  rudeness, 
to  make  even  the  shortest  call  without  tast- 
ing   something.       Intoxicating    drinks    and 
tobacco,  however,  are  never  offered.     These 
articles  are  banished  from  every  Khulweh, 
and  the  initiated  by  their  vow  of  initiation 
are  the  strictest  teetotalers. 

Between  the  Druzes  and  the  Maronites,  to 
whom  the  Bishallany  family  belonged,  there 
existed  a  strong  aversion,  leading  to  occa- 
sional feuds  and  bloody  conflicts.  One  cause 
of  this  ill-feeling  was  the  circumstance  of 
the  Druzes  of  Wady  et  Teim  having  joined 
their  brethren  of  Hauren  in  a  rebellion 
against  Ibrahim  Pasha,  the  Turkish  governor. 
The  pasha  called  to  his  assistance  the  Chris- 
tians of  Lebanon:  namely,  those  connected 
with  the  Grfcek  church,  and  the  Maronites. 


14  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

A  decisive  battle  was  fought  near  Shiba,  in 
which  the  Drnzes  were  defeated.  As  a  con- 
sequence, the  old  and  celebrated  Khulwehs 
were  plundered;  the  sacred  and  secret  ady- 
tum was  entered,  and  the  contents  of  several 
chests  of  books  were  scattered  through  the 
country  and  over  the  world.  The  Druzes  of 
course  were  deeply  exasperated  by  this  treat- 
ment, and  when  they  subsequently  obtained 
the  ascendency,  they  made  the  Christians 
pay  dearly  for  this  trespass  upon  the  rights 
and  property  of  their  neighbors.  The  gov- 
ernor disarmed  the  Christians;  and  then, 
backed  hj  1,800  Druzes,  he  exacted  indem- 
nities for  what  they  had  lost  by  plunder,  and 
imposed  a  heavy  fine  upon  all  who  had  been 
known  to  take  a  book.  The  result  is,  says  a 
missionary  writer  from  whom  we  have  de- 
rived these  facts,  a  deep-seated  enmity 
between  the  two  sects,  which  has  descended 
into  the  heart  of  every  man,  woman,  and 
child. 

The  Bishallany  family  were  destined  to 
share  in  the  infuriated  vengeance  of  the 
Druzes ;  for  however  humble  and  inoffensive 
they  were,  nothing  could  shelter  them  from 


DOMESTIC  RUIN.  15 

the  wrath  of  an  enemy  still  burning  with  re- 
sentment. Like  angry  wolves,  these  bold 
and  cruel  mountaineers  fixed  their  eyes  upon 
this  quiet  little  flock,  and  were  eager  for  their 
prey. 

In  1837,  when  Antonio  was  about  ten  years 
of  age,  the  family  were  startled  by  the  shouts 
of  the  enemy  now  rushing  upon  the  prem- 
ises with  overpowering  numbers.  To  resist 
was  useless,  and  the  only  alternative  was  to 
escape  for  their  lives.  Terrified  and  dis- 
mayed, they  forsook  their  home,  and  avoid- 
ing the  murderous  weapons  of  their  blood- 
thirsty foes,  they  hastened  to  some  place  of 
security.  In  the  meantime  the  Druzes  set 
fire  to  their  dwelling-house,  and  laid  wraste 
and  destroyed  the  vineyard  and  olive  gar- 
dens, which  Antonio's  father  and  brothers 
had  so  carefully  cultivated,  and  on  which 
they  depended  for  a  humble  support. 

Poor  Antonio,  how  sad  must  have  been 
his  feelings  when  fleeing  from  the  home  of 
his  childhood,  where  every  tree  and  rock 
and  gushing  spring  were  endeared  to  him. 
How  his  heart  must  have  sickened  when, 
looking  back,  he  beheld  the  little   cottage 


16  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY 

where  lie  had  played  and  enjoyed  so  many 
happy  days  enveloped  in  flames,  and  be- 
coming a  heap  of  smouldering  ruins;  and  with 
what  painful  regret  must  he  have  thought  of 
the  vineyard  and  olive  grounds  which  had 
kindly  yielded  their  fruit  as  the  reward  of  his 
father's  toil,  now  trodden  down  and  destroyed 
by  the  ruthless  spoilers.  Both  to  him  and 
to  the  rest  of  the  family,  the  disaster  that 
had  thus  suddenly  overtaken  them  must 
have  seemed  truly  calamitous,  and  we  can- 
not think  of  this  exiled,  fugitive,  houseless 
family,  and  especially  of  the  afflicted  parents, 
hastening  down  the  pathway  of  the  mount, 
seeking  a  place  of  refuge  and  of  rest,  without 
emotions  of  sympathy  and  sorrow. 

We  often  learn  from  experience  and  ob- 
servation that  things  which  appeared  to  be 
adverse  and  trying,  turn  to  the  highest  ad- 
vantage of  those  who  are  affected  by  them. 
There  is  a  wise  and  gracious  Providence  that 
guides  all  events.  Circumstances  that  seem- 
ed to  be  accidental,  trials  incurred  through 
our  own  imprudence,  or  inflicted  by  the  in- 
strumentality of  others,  are  controlled  by 
the  unseen  hand  of  the  Lord,  who  can  bring 


WAYS  OF  PROVIDENCE.  It 

good  out  of  evil.     Men  may  persecute  and 
injure  the  Christian,  but  as  in  the  case  of 
Joseph,  while  they  meant  it  for  evil,  God 
meant  it  for  good.     A  person  may  meet  with 
reverse  of  fortune,  be  disappointed  in  the 
accomplishment  of  some  design,  and  at  the 
time  most  deeply  lament  the  occurrence  that 
seemed  so  unfavorable  to  his  interest;   but 
presently  he  is  impelled  by  this  very  fail- 
ure of  his  projected  plans,   to  take  a   step 
that  leads  him  to  prosperity  and  happiness. 
A  severe  affliction  comes  upon  him,  but  God 
sanctifies  it  to  his   spiritual   advantage;    a 
new  course  is  given  to  the  current  of  his 
thoughts  and  feelings ;  a  new  purpose  of  life 
is  formed,  and  a  field  of  usefulness  and  hap- 
piness is  opened,  of  which  he  had  formed  no 
conception.     A  young  man  who  has  no  seri- 
ous thoughts  of  God,  or  of  his  own  soul,  vol- 
unteers in  the  service  of  his  country.     He  is 
wounded  in  battle,  and  carried  to  a  hospital. 
There  he  comes  under  Christian  influences. 
A  religious  tract  is  placed  in  his  hand,  or  a 
minister  of  Jesus  speaks  to  him  of  Christ  and 
the  great  salvation.    The  truth  finds  entrance 
into  his  heart.     He  accepts  of  offered  mercy, 

BishaJlany.  2 


18  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

■ 

devotes  himself  to  the  service  of  God,  and 
goes  forth  to  live  a  new  and  holy  life.  A 
reckless  son  who  profanes  the  Sabbath,  never 
visits  the  house  of  God,  or  reads  the  sacred 
word,  tired  of  the  restraints  of  home,  for- 
sakes his  father's  house  and  embarks  upon 
the  ocean.  The  vessel  is  wrecked,  and  he  is 
cast  upon  a  foreign  shore.  There  he  finds 
a  mission  station,  and  taken  kindly  by  the 
hand,  is  induced  to  go  and  listen  to  the  gos- 
pel message.  The  Lord  opens  his  heart. 
He  repents  and  believes,  and  goes  home  at 
length  to  make  his  parents  rejoice  that  this 
their  son,  who  was  dead,  is  alive  again ;  that 
he  who  was  lost,  is  found. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  in  the  progress  of  this 
narrative,  that  the  hand  of  God  directed  the 
trying  events  that  befell  Antonio;  that  he 
made  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  him,  and 
caused  this  sudden  calamity  to  be  among  the 
"all  things  "  which  work  together  for  good  to 
them  who  love  God,  and  are  the  called  accord- 
ing to  his  purpose. 


AT  BEIRUT.  19 


CHAPTEE  II. 

After  the  Bishallany  family  fled  from 
their  home  before  the  infuriated  Druzes, 
they  took  refuge  in  a  village  on  the  Lebanon 
range,  not  far  distant  from  the  city  of  Bei- 
rut. About  this  time  the  father  died,  and 
the  support  of  the  remaining  members  of  the 
household  devolved  on  the  elder  brother. 
Their  means  of  living  being  very  limited, 
Antonio,  not  wishing  to  be  a  burden  to  his 
brothers,  was  anxious  to  obtain  some  situa- 
tion in  which  he  might  be  useful,  and  at  the 
same  time  procure  an  honest  livelihood.  In 
the  providence  of  God  an  opening  was  pre- 
sented to  him  by  the  Italian  consul  at  Bei- 
rut, who  proposed  employing  him  as  his  at- 
tendant. Antonio  was  pleased  to  accept  the 
offer,  and  engaged  with  cheerfulness  in  this 
service.  He  was  willing  to  employ  his  tal- 
ents in  any  honest  calling,  and  felt  it  to  be  no 
degradation  to  serve  in  a  capacity  in  which 


20  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

he  could  secure  some  remuneration  without 
doing  violence  to  his  conscience.  He  was  a 
youth  of  high-toned  feeling  and  lofty  aspi- 
rations, and  would  gladly  have  acceded  to 
some  more  advantageous  proposal ;  but  the 
present  position  being  placed  within  his 
reach,  and  being  in  circumstances  of  need, 
he  availed  himself  of  a  berth  which  proved 
to  be  both  pleasant  and  useful.  He  was 
faithful  and  diligent  in  the  performance  of 
his  duties,  ever  active  and  obliging,  and  by 
his  general  good  conduct  gained  the  confi- 
dence and  kind  feeling  of  the  consul,  whom 
he  accompanied  to  Smyrna  and  to  different 
islands  of  the  Mediterranean. 

Beirut  is  an  ancient  city,  and  was  from  an 
early  date  a  place  of  importance.  It  became 
a  Eoman  colony  in  the  reign  of  Augustus. 
Agrippa  adorned  and  beautified  it  with  col- 
onnades, porticos,  theatres,  and  other  public 
buildings,  the  remains  of  which  are  entomb- 
ed beneath  the  rubbish  of  the  ancient  city, 
or  lie  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea  in  front  of  the 
town.  Christianity  was  early  planted  there, 
and  churches  flourished.  It  was  also  a  seat 
of  learning,  and  its  law  school  was  resorted 


HISTORY  OF  BEIRUT.  21 

to  by  youth  of  the  first  families.  In  the  year 
551  it  was  visited  by  an  awful  earthquake, 
which  overthrew  its  churches,  temples,  and 
palaces,  and  buried  vast  multitudes  beneath 
their  ruins.  The  city  was  rebuilt,  and  though 
it  never  regained  its  former  magnificence,  yet 
within  the  last  thirty  years  it  has  attained  a 
large  population,  and  become  distinguished 
for  its  wealth  and  commerce.  Its  population 
since  1830  has  grown  from  five  to  forty  thou- 
sand. At  that  period  there  was  scarcely  a 
decent  house  outside  of  the  walls;  now  two 
thirds  of  the  population  reside  in  the  gardens, 
which  with  hundreds  of  convenient  dwellings, 
and  not  a  few  noble  mansions,  adorn  the 
charming  suburbs.  European  merchants 
have  selected  it  for  the  seat  of  their  opera- 
tions; and  as  the  foreign  consuls  settled  in 
this  city,  the  government  was  led  to  make  it. 
the  capital  of  the  country. 

Beirut  is  the  seat  of  Christian  missionary 
operations.  Many  years  since,  the  American 
Board  selected  this  metropolis  of  Syria  as 
the  centre  of  religious  light  and  influence. 
They  planted  there  the  standard  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  men  of  talents  and  piety  have  long 


22  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

been  occupied  in  preaching  the  word,  trans- 
lating the  Scriptures,  instructing  the  young, 
and  thus  bringing  the  truth  to  bear  upon  the 
ignorance,  superstition,  and  vice  of  this  be- 
nighted country.  How  affecting  it  is  that 
Syria  and  Palestine,  where  the  Redeemer 
lived  and  taught  in  the  streets,  and  where 
the  apostles  proclaimed  the  news  of  salva- 
tion and  planted  churches,  and  where  Chris- 
tianity gained  its  earliest  and  noblest  tri- 
umphs, should  have  sunk  into  darkness,  have 
their  candlestick  removed  from  its  place, 
and  be  trodden  down  by  Turkish  tyranny, 
and  deluded  by  the  errors  and  superstitions 
of  false  religions.  And  yet,  again,  how  inter- 
esting that  the  light  of  the  gospel,  which 
originally  emanated  from  the  East,  and  in 
the  progress  of  years  shed  its  illuminating 
•rays  upon  the  western  world,  should  now  re- 
turn from  this  favored  land  to  enlighten  and 
bless  those  who  once  enjoyed  the  light,  but 
are  now  sitting  in  darkness  and  the  shadow 
of  death. 

The  providences  which  brought  Antonio  to 
Beirut  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  brought  him 
also  within  the  reach   of  missionary  influ- 


THE  WORD  OF  GOD.  23 

ence.  We  know  not  whether  he  frequented 
any  of  the  places  where  the  missionaries 
gave  instruction,  or  held  intercourse  with  any 
one  of  these  devoted  servants  of  Christ ;  but 
he  came  within  reach  of  the  Bible,  that  holy 
book,  whose  blessed  pages  these  Christian 
laborers  had  translated  into  the  Syrian 
tongue,  and  which  now  could  intelligibly 
convey  to  the  minds  of  Jews  and  Turks, 
Arabs  and  Maronites,  the  way  of  salvation 
by  Jesus  Christ.  And  as  this  holy  book  was 
destined  to  exert  a  remarkable  influence  on 
the  heart  and  life  of  Antonio,  its  discovery 
and  subsequent  perusal,  as  well  as  the  cir- 
cumstances that  led  to  this  result,  were  so 
many  links  in  the  chain  by  which  the  Lord 
guided  this  interesting  youth  in  the  way  of 
truth,  safety,  and  happiness. 

On  a  Sabbath  several  years  later,  as  An- 
tonio was  walking  through  the  streets  of  Bei- 
rut, he  met  a  person  offering  for  sale  Bibles 
in  the  Arabic  language,  and  published  by  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  He  in- 
quired the  price,  and  was  answered,  Fifty 
cents.  The  lowness  of  the  price  measured  to 
him  the  value  of  the  book.     He  compared 


24  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

it  in  his  mind  with  a  copy  of  the  Arabian 
Nights,  which  he  possessed,  and  for  which 
he  paid  the  sum  of  ten  dollars.  He  went 
away  in  disgust,  thinking  that  a  book  that 
could  be  bought  at  so  small  a  price  must 
be  of  very  little  value.  But  Antonio's  inter- 
est in  that  blessed  volume  was  not  to  termi- 
nate here.  His  curiosity  was  awakened ;  his 
thoughts  were  occupied  by  that  book;  he 
longed  to  know  its  contents.  At  length  yield- 
ing to  the  impulses  of  his  heart,  he  went  in 
search  of  the  Bible-seller,  and  secretly  pur- 
chased a  copy.  He  knew  it  was  a  prohibited 
volume;  that  the  authorities  of  the  church 
would  not  allow  him  to  read  it ;  and  if  it  were 
discovered  that  he  had  been  guilty  of  so  great 
an  offence,  he  would  be  visited  with  a  severe 
penalty.  But  he  could  not  understand  why 
the  Bible  should  be  prohibited,  and  yet  other 
books,  that  were  impure  and  injurious  in  their 
tendency,  should  be  allowed.  He  was  curi- 
ous to  ascertain  whether  it  contained  worse 
words  than  the  Arabian  Nights;  the  priests 
of  his  church — the  Maronite — permitting  the 
reading  of  the  one,  and  forbidding  the  peru- 
sal of  the  other.     This  work,  he  remarked,  is 


LIGHT  ENTERING.  25 

extremely  immoral  far  beyond  any  concep- 
tion we  can  form  from  our  translations 
"  Surely,"  lie  said  to  himself,  "the  Bible  can- 
not be  worse  than  the  Arabian  Nights." 

Let  it  be  observed  that  Antonio  could  read 
the  Arabic  language.  At  an  early  period 
when  at  home  he  manifested  a  strong  desire 
for  knowledge,  and  in  some  manner,  proba- 
bly from  one  of  the  priests,  learned  to  read 
and  write :  no  mean  acquirement  in  a  country 
where  it  is  the  policy  of  the  rulers,  lay  and 
clerical,  to  keep  the  people  in  ignorance. 
Familiar  therefore  with  his  native  tongue,  he 
found  no  difficulty  in  reading  the  Scriptures 
in  Arabic. 

Entering  upon  their  perusal,  he  soon  came 
to  passages  he  could  not  reconcile  with  the 
doctrines  and  practices  of  the  Romish  church. 
"  Now,"  said  he  to  himself,  "  I  know  why  the 
priest  does  not  wish  me  to  read  the  Bible. 
It  is  contrary  to  the  church;  it  condemns 
the  church."  But  as  he  thought  the  church 
infallible,  he  concluded  that  whatever  was 
inconsistent  with  it  must  be  wrong.  He  had 
been  brought  up  under  the  impression  that 
the  Bible  is  to  be  tested  by  the  church,  and 


26  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

not  the  church  by  the  Bible.  Thus  impress- 
ed, when  he  came  to  the  twentieth  chapter  of 
Exodus,  and  read,  "  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto 
thee  any  graven  image,  nor  any  likeness  of 
any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is 
in  the  earth  beneath, ....  thou  shalt  not  bow 
down  to  them,  nor  worship  them,"  his  rage 
burst  all  bounds,  and  he  tossed  the  book 
from  him  in  indignation.  It  was  at  variance 
with  the  practice  of  the  Maronite  church,  to 
which  he  had  been  trained  from  childhood. 
He  regarded  it  as  a  fable,  and  resolved  to 
commit  it  to  the  flames.  But  pausing  a  mo- 
ment, he  said  to  himself,  It  will  cost  me  but 
little  time  to  destroy  this  volume,  but  how 
great  must  have  been  the  time  and  labor 
which  it  cost  to  make  it.  Arrested  by  this 
thought,  he  relinquished  his  purpose,  and 
renewed  his  readings,  determined  to  know 
what  it  did  contain.  Frequently  he  would 
throw  down  the  book,  and  with  all  the  im- 
petuosity of  his  eastern  nature,  reproach  and 
utter  maledictions  against  the  deceivers  that 
published  it  as  the  word  of  God.  Sometimes 
he  would  go  for  days  without  looking  at  it,  but 
always  found  reason  for  returning  for  another 


THE  TWO   BIBLES.  27 

inspection.  The  subject  pressed  upon  his 
mind,  and  he  found  himself  unable  to  keep 
his  thoughts  from  it. 

Was  this  the  true  Bible?  Had  he  been 
deceived  ?  How  should  he  find  out  whether 
it  was  true  or  not  ?  Thus  he  meditated  and 
reasoned  with  himself.  At  length  the  thought 
occurred  to  him,  that  if  he  could  compare 
with  this  the  church's  authenticated  version, 
then  he  could  satisfy  himself.  Forthwith  he 
went  to  the  priest,  and  requested  the  loan  of 
a  Bible.  "  And  what,"  said  the  priest,  "  do 
you  want  with  the  Bible  ?  You  have  no  busi- 
ness with  the  Bible."  "  But  I  only  want  it  a 
short  time ;  I  will  bring  it  back  to  you  again." 
His  request  was  granted.  "And  now,"  thought 
Antonio,  "  I  will  find  out  if  this  is  an  honest 
and  true  Bible."  He  sat  down  and  diligent- 
ly compared  the  two  together.  He  found 
them  substantially  alike.  The  passages  that 
he  thought  taught  heresy  in  the  one,  he  found 
just  the  same  in  the  other.  He  turned  from 
passage  to  passage,  and  still  they  agreed. 
He  closed  the  book.  "Now,"  said  he,  "I 
know  why  the  priests  do  not  wish  us  to  read 
the  Bible;  it  is  because  the  Bible  condemns 


28  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

the  church,  even  the  Bible  they  admit  to  be 
authentic."  The  power  of  the  priest  with 
him  was  broken.  He  would  no  more  go  to 
confession;  he  refused  to  attend  mass;  he 
no  longer  believed  in  transubstantiation  nor 
in  worshipping  images,  or  the  Yirgin  Mary 
or  the  crucifix.  One  by  one  he  took  the 
doctrines  of  his  church,  examined  them  by 
the  light  of  God's  word,  and  became  con- 
vinced that  they  were  wrong.  Then  he  be- 
came an  infidel,  and  did  not  believe  any 
thing;  but  all  the  while  God's  good  Spirit 
kept  him  drinking  at  the  fountain. 

The  Bible  became  the  subject  of  constant 
reflection  and  study.  During  the  first  year 
he  read  the  sacred  volume  twice  through, 
and  each  time  he  opened  its  heavenly  pages 
fresh  light  seemed  to  break  in  upon  his  un- 
derstanding. It  taught  him  new  truths, 
truths  which  he  could  not  fully  comprehend. 
It  shook  his  confidence  in  the  rites  of  his 
church,  and  the  teachings  of  his  priests.  He 
planned  another  perusal;  he  laid  out  a  year 
for  it;  he  collated  passage  with  passage. 

To  ascertain  Christ,  who  seemed  to  him  to 
be  so  variously  represented  as  to  make  it  un- 


THE  GOSPEL  EMBRACED.  29 

certain  whether  he  was  an  individual  or  not, 
he  took  pen  and  paper,  and  beginning  with 
Genesis,  he  wrote  out  every  passage  under 
specific  heads,  which  heads  were  the  various 
representations  of  Christ  as  God,  Man,  Proph- 
et, Priest,  King,  Lamb,  etc.  "His  object," 
he  stated,  "was  to  get  both  a  logical  and 
numerical  evidence  of  who  Christ  was." 
This  study  brought  him  to  a  belief  in  the 
divinity  of  Christ,  and  in  the  Trinity  in  unity 
of  the  godhead.  He  formed  a  body  of  the- 
ology for  himself — a  pure  Bible  theology ;  he 
embraced  the  whole  system  of  evangelical 
truth,  and  became  not  simply  a  theoretical 
believer,  but  an  experimental  Christian. 

The  truths  he  learned  in  the  word  of  God 
were  received  in  faith,  and  applied  to  the 
heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  That  Saviour, 
whom  he  discovered  to  be  the  chief  theme  of 
the  Bible,  became  revealed  to  him  as  his  Ee- 
deemer  from  sin  and  death;  and  spiritually 
enlightened  in  the  knowledge  of  his  person, 
he  was  led  to  exclaim,  "I  count  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge 
of  Christ."  Jesus  became  the  supreme  ob- 
ject of  his  affections,  and  the  source  of  his 


30  A.NTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

greatest  joy.     He  rested  on  him  with  all  the 
simplicity  and  confidence  of  a  little  child,  be- 
lieved his  promises,  rejoiced  in  the  hope  of 
his  forgiving  mercy,  and  devoted  all  the  ener- 
gies of  his  sonl  to  his  service.     He  became 
a  cheerful,  happy  Christian.    His  heart  swell- 
ed with  gratitude  to  God  for  the  wonderful 
providence  that  had  directed  his  steps;   for 
his    deliverance   from  papal   darkness,    and 
his  introduction  into  the  light  and  liberty  of 
the  Protestant  faith;   for  having  placed  the 
Bible  within  his  reach,  and  so  blessed  the 
reading  of  it  to  his  soul  as  to  cause  him  to  be 
born  again  through  the  incorruptible  seed  of 
the  word.    He  felt  that  he  was  brought  into  a 
new  world,  every  object  of  which  filled  him 
with  wonder,  love,  and  praise.     He  was  no 
longer  a  poor  outcast,  but  a  fellow-citizen  of 
the  saints  and  of  the  household  of  God.     God 
was  his  Father,  Christ  his  Saviour  and  Elder 
Brother,, the  Holy  Spirit  his  Sanctifier  and 
Comforter,  and  heaven  his  everlasting  home. 
Privileges  and  hopes  so  precious  filled  him 
with  joy. 

What  a  striking  illustration  is  here  fur- 
nished of  the  power  of  the  Bible  in  illumi- 


POWER  OF  THE  TRUTH.  31 

nating  and  converting  the  sonl.  Here  is  a 
yonng  man  reared  amid  the  deepest  gloom 
of  ignorance  and  superstition.  He  met  with 
a  copy  of  the  sacred  Scriptures.  Without 
any  one  to  guide  him  or  explain  the  different 
passages,  or  any  commentary  to  aid  him  in 
ascertaining  its  meaning,  he  simply  applied 
himself  to  its  study  with  that  energy  and 
perseverance  which  an  ardent  desire  for  the 
truth  naturally  prompted.  He  felt  his  need 
of  divine  assistance,  and  implored  the  Lord 
to  open  his  eyes,  that  he  might  behold  won- 
drous things  out  of  his  law.  God,  who  has 
said,  "The  meek  he  will  guide  in  judgment; 
the  meek  will  he  teach  his  way,"  revealed  to 
this  humble  and  anxious  inquirer  the  mind  of 
the  Spirit.  As  he  proceeded  in  his  investi- 
gations, he  beheld  at  each  step  the  evidences 
of  the  Bible  being  the  word  of  God.  He  dis- 
covered in  it  doctrines  so  sublime,  precepts 
so  holy,  promises  so  consoling,  and  a  provis- 
ion of  grace  through  Christ  Jesus  so  adapted 
to  his  wants,  that  he  knew  it  was  God  who 
spoke  through  the  written  word,  and  that 
"holy  men  of  old  spoke  as  they  were  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost." 


32  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

With  this  conviction  he   approached  the 
sacred  volume  with  reverence,  and  with  the 
assurance  that  in  its  blessed  pages  were  to 
be    found   the    truths   of   salvation.     Those 
truths  he  sought  with  indefatigable  diligence. 
He  regarded   the  Bible  as  a  rich  mine  of 
wealth,  where  valuable  treasures  were  con- 
cealed, and  he  who  would  obtain  them  must 
dig  for  them  as  for  silver  and  for  choice  gold. 
He  thus  by  untiring  effort  searched  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  labored  to  find  the  priceless  gems 
lying  beneath  the  surface.     And  his  toil  was 
not  in  vain.     Observing  that  Christ  was  the 
prominent  personage  spoken  of  in  the  Bible, 
he  first  endeavored  to  ascertain  who  he  was, 
and  in  doing  so  was  gradually  led  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  true  God  existing  in  three 
persons,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.     He 
learned  the  way  of  access  to  God  through 
Jesus  Christ.     He   found   that  pardon   and 
eternal  life  were  to  be  obtained  by  faith  in 
that  divine  Saviour,  and  that  sinful  men  were 
invited  to  come  to  Christ,  to  believe,  and  to 
be  saved ;  he  discovered  that  the  Holy  Spirit 
performed  a  work  upon  the  heart,  renewing 
and  sanctifying  it,  and  bringing  it  to  repent 


LIVING  TRUTH.  33 

and  believe  in  Jesus.   And  lie  ascertained  that 
a  sinner  thus  coming  to  and  accepting  an  of- 
fered Saviour,  was  adopted  into  the  family  of 
God ;  was  invested  with  all  the  privileges  and 
comforts  of  a  child ;  had  precious  promises  to 
lean  upon ;  was  surrounded  with  the  care  and 
protection  of  the  Lord ;  was  sustained  by  his 
providence,  comforted  in  trial,  supported  in 
death,  and  at  last  admitted  into  heaven  to 
live  for  ever  in  perfect  purity  and  blessed- 
ness with  Christ  and  all  his  redeemed  people. 
Thus  he  became  theoretically  acquainted 
with  the  system  of  revealed  truth,  and  recog- 
nized it  as  the  truth  of  the  living  God.     But 
he  learned  still  more.     There  is  a  knowledge 
of  the  head;  and  there  is  a  knowledge  of 
the    heart,    consisting    in    an    experimental 
sense  of  the  beauty  and  excellence  of  divine 
things.    A  man  may  have  the  former  and  yet 
be  in  spiritual  ignorance,  not  knowing  the 
grace  of  Christ  in  the  heart.     He  may  be 
versed  in  all  the  doctrines  of  the  Scriptures, 
and   capable   of    explaining    and   defending 
them  with  intelligence  and  force,  but  yet  may 
have  no  personal  interest  in  Christ,  and  no 
perception  of  the  glory  of  his  person  or  the 

Bisliallany.  3 


% 
34  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

worth  of  Iris  redemption.  Antonio  felt  the 
power  of  truth  upon  his  soul:  the  Saviour 
was  revealed  to  him  as  Ids  Saviour;  he  put 
forth  the  exercise  of  a  living  faith,  and  ob- 
tained a  personal  interest  in  Christ;  he  dis- 
covered an  adaptation  in  the  Lord  Jesus  to 
his  wants  as  a  guilty  and  polluted  sinner,  and 
he  accepted  him  as  the  Lord  his  righteous- 
ness and  strength.  And  now  he  had  more 
than  a  speculative  acquaintance  with  him,  he 
had  that  knowledge  of  which  it  is  said,  "This 
is  life  eternal,  to  know  thee  the  only  true  God, 
and  Jesus  Christ  Avhom  thou  hast  sent."  His 
knowledge  of  him  was  of  the  heart.  He  lov- 
ed him,  delighted  in  him,  and  could  say,  "He 
is  the  chief  among  ten  thousand,  and  alto- 
gether lovely." 

Thus  "  the  entrance  of  thy  word  giveth 
light,  it  giveth  understanding  to  the  simple." 
"  The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting 
the  soul;  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure, 
making  wise  the  simple.  The  statutes  of  the 
Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the  heart;  the  com- 
mandment of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening 
the  eyes.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  endur- 
ing for  ever;  the  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true 


LOVE  FOR  THE  BIBLE.  35 

and  righteous  altogether :  more  to  be  desired 
are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold ; 
sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  honey-comb. '! 
Love  for  the  Bible  was  now  the  ruling  passion 
of  this  young  Syrian  convert.  He  was  fond  of 
reading,  but  all  other  books  lost  their  attrac- 
tion after  he  had  once  entered  into  the  spirit  of 
these  living  oracles  of  God.  In  them  he  read  of 
things  divine  and  eternal,  things  pertaining  to 
the  adorable  Jehovah,  the  almighty  Saviour, 
the  immortal  soul,  the  glories  of  the  invisible 
and  future  world.  "  It  was  his  delight,"  says 
one  who  knew  him,  "to  retire  under  the  shade 
of  some  tall  cedar,  and  pore  over  the  poetry  of 
the  Psalms,  the  wisdom  of  Solomon,  the  Lam- 
entations of  Jeremiah,  and  the  wonders  of 
the  Pentateuch.  To  a  mind  like  his,  inquisi- 
tive, bold,  and  ardent,  and  governed  by  rea- 
son of  a  superior  order,  this  book  was  like  a 
never-failing  fountain.  Previously  he  had 
read  with  wonder  and  amusement  the  Ara- 
bian Nights'  Entertainment;  but  when  he 
procured  a  copy  of  'the  way  of  life,'  the  pa- 
triarchs and  the  prophets  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment usurped  the  place  in  his  mind  formerly 
occupied    by  the    caliphs   and   the   viziers. 


36  ANTONIO    B1SHALLANY. 

Strange  as  it  may  appear,  lie  paid  no  atten- 
tion whatever  in  the  beginning  to  the  gos- 
pels or  the  epistles.  However,  as  he  himself 
repeatedly  remarked  afterwards,  when  once 
the  grand  truths  of  the  Saviour  dawned  upon 
his  mind,  it  appeared  as  if  he  had  been  sud- 
denly born  into  a  new  and  spiritual  life.  The 
prophecies,  which  he  knew  by  rote,  seemed 
to  him  but  the  echo ;  this  was  the  awful  yet 
cheering  voice  of  God  proclaiming  the  way 
of  salvation  to  a  lost  and  guilty  world." 

The  period  was  now  at  hand  when  the 
faith  of  Antonio  in  his  precious  Bible  and 
his  love  to  Christ  were  to  be  put  to  the  test. 
It  is  easy  to  adhere  to  Christianity  and  be 
the  faithful  advocates  of  the  Saviour  and  his 
word  when  religion  is  popular — when  we  are 
sustained  by  the  smiles  of  friends,  and  the 
path  of  piety  is  strewn  with  flowers.  But 
when  the  spirit  of  persecution  arises,  and  we 
cannot  openly  avow  our  principles  without 
incurring  the  prejudices  and  animosity  of 
men,  and  sacrificing  even  the  land  feelings  of 
our  dearest  relations ;  when  our  fealty  to 
Christ  exposes  us  to  the  sneers  and  reproaches 
of  the  world,  or  it  may  be  to  pains  and  im- 


PROFESSING  CHRIST.  3*1 

prisomnent,  then  it  is  that  our  faith  is  tried, 
and  great  grace  is  needed  to  enable  ns  to 
endure  suffering  for  Christ's  sake,  and  prove 
that  we  are  not  ashamed  of  him  and  of  his 
cross.  The  Saviour  has  said,  "  Marvel  not 
if  the  world  hate  you ;  you  know  it  hated  me 
before  it  hated  you."  Christians  in  different 
ages  have  experienced  the  truth  of  their  Mas- 
ter's words,  and  thousands  of  his  humble  fol- 
lowers have,  for  conscience'  sake,  and  for  the 
sake  of  Christ  and  his  truth,  endured  the  loss 
of  all  things,  and  even  laid  down  their  lives 
for  Him  who  died,  that  they,  whether  living 
or  dying,  might  be  the  Lord's. 

When  this  interesting  young  man  had  occu- 
pied about  three  years  in  the  secret  perusal 
and  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and  his  convic- 
tions of  truth  had  settled  down  into  establish- 
ed principles — when  he  had  actually  given 
his  heart  to  Christ,  and  felt  that  subjection  to 
human  authority  must  yield  to  a  higher  ob- 
ligation if  that  subjection  came  in  conflict 
with  his  duty  to  the  Saviour,  then  he  became 
more  oj)en  in  the  manifestation  of  his  newly 
imbibed  religious  sentiments.  He  would  occa- 
sionally express  his  opinion  on  some  scriptu- 


o 


8  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 


ral  doctrine,  or  make  an  inquiry  respecting 
the  practices  and  ceremonies  of  the  sect  to 
which  he  had  belonged,  or  utter  a  remark  on 
the  wickedness  of  depriving  the  people  of  the 
Bible.  He  also  often  absented  himself  from 
the  Maronite  church ;  and  when  he  attended 
their  place  of  worship,  he  omitted  on  enter- 
ing to  sprinkle  upon  himself  the  holy  water 
and  make  upon  his  breast  the  sign  of  the 
cross.  In  these  and  various  ways  he  exhib- 
ited a  disposition  to  forsake  the  religion  of 
his  youth. 

At  length  these  things  were  either  noticed 
by  the  priest  or  were  reported  to  him  by 
some  emissary  who  was  pleased  with  the  op- 
portunity of  involving  Antonio  in  trouble. 
The  priest  at  once  cited  Antonio  to  come 
before  him,  and  used  every  effort  to  convince 
him  of  his  wickedness  in  thus  neglecting  his 
obligations  to  the  church  of  his  fathers.  I 
have  not  been  able  to  learn  what  were  the 
questions  and  replies  on  this  occasion,  but 
the  fact  was  clear  that  God  used  the  weak 
things  of  this  world  to  confound  the  wise  and 
mighty.  The  Lord  was  with  his  humble  and 
faithful  servant,  and  enabled  him  to  make  a 


BEFORE  THE  PRIEST.  39 

good  confession,  and  to  declare  with  bold- 
ness his  love  to  the  word  of  God  on  which  he 
had  placed  his  hope.  He  probably  stated 
with  frankness  that  he  had  in  his  possession 
a  copy  of  the  Scriptures,  and  that  he  had 
been  engaged  in  searching  them ;  that  he  had 
learned  from  them  many  things  of  which  he 
before  had  been  ignorant,  and. was  led  by 
them  to  see  many  errors  in  the  faith  and 
practice  of  the  church  in  which  he  had  been 
educated.  Such  statements  must  have  been 
highly  offensive  to  the  priest,  who  no  doubt 
condemned  and  censured  Antonio  with  great 
severity,  and  said  every  thing  he  could  in  the 
way  of  persuasion  and  denunciation  to  lead 
him  to  repent  and  change  his  course.  Sev- 
eral other  examinations  took  place  before 
xlifferent  grades  of  ecclesiastics,  each  one 
being,  it  is  presumed,  increasingly  rigid  and 
threatening.  But  Antonio's  faith  failed  not. 
He  knew  whom  he  had  believed,  and  was  per- 
suaded that  He  was  able  to  keep  that  which 
he  had  committed  to  him.  After  receiving  a 
solemn  warning  as  to  his  future  conduct,  he 
was  dismissed,  and  returned  to  his  custom- 
ary avocations. 


40  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

Instead  of  being  daunted  by  this  experi- 
ence of  priestly  domination  over  the  liberty 
of  conscience,  Antonio  became  more  resolute 
in  acting  according  to  his  convictions  of  duty. 
His  heart  glowed  with  benevolence  towards 
his  fellow-countrymen.  He  pitied  their  igno- 
rant and  degraded  condition,  and  wished  to 
communicate  the  things  that  he  had  learned. 
As  Andrew,  when  he  had  found  the  Saviour, 
went  and  brought  his  brother  Simon  to  Je- 
sus, and  as  Philip  said  to  Nathan ael,  "  We 
have  found  him  of  whom  Moses  and  the 
prophets  did  write,  come  and  see;"  so  this 
Syrian  convert,  having  by  the  reading  of 
Moses  and  the  prophets  learned  of  Jesus 
Christ,  desired  his  brethren  to  come  and  see 
this  gracious  and  glorious  Saviour,  and  re- 
ceive from  him  the  same  blessings  he  had 
himself  experienced.  He  had  been  reading 
the  Bible,  the  revelation  of  God  to  men,  and 
had  beheld  wondrous  tilings  which  before 
had  been  kept  from  his  knowledge.  That 
book  had  opened  the  eyes  of  his  understand- 
ing, broken  the  chains  of  superstition  and 
sin,  renovated  his  heart,  filled  him  with  love 
to  Christ,  and  awakened  the  hope  of  forgive- 


TEACHING  CHRIST.  41 

ness  through  his  sufferings  and  death.  It 
had  taught  him  that  no  acts  of  penance  or 
works  of  righteousness  or  religious  obser- 
vances could  justify  him  before  God,  but  that 
"the  just  shall  live  by  faith;"  that  the  merits 
of  Christ  are  our  only  plea,  and  he  that  believ- 
eth  is  justified  only  through  the  righteousness 
of  the  Redeemer.  Following  the  guidance  of 
this  holy  volume,  he  had  believed ;  and  now 
being  justified  by  faith,  he  had  peace  with 
God  through  his  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  A  book  that  had  brought  such  glad 
tidings  to  him,  and  wrought  an  entire  change 
in  him,  and  opened  to  him  the  highest  sources 
of  joy,  was  not  to  be  confined  to  himself.  He^ 
must  go  and  tell  his  Mends  and  neighbors  of 
the  priceless  treasure. 

Under  the  impulse  of  this  desire,  he  was 
one  evening  explaining  some  truths  which 
he  had  learned  to  a  fellow-countryman  in 
one  of  the  streets  of  Beirut,  his  mind  no 
doubt  absorbed  in  the  subject  and  not  ap- 
prehensive of  danger.  It  so  occurred  that 
at  that  moment  a  merchant  from  Aleppo  was 
passing.  Attracted  by  the  earnest  manner  of 
Antonio,  he  paused  and  listened;  and  being 


42  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

in  all  probability  a  papist  himself,  and  sol- 
emnly sworn  to  give  information  of  any  who 
swerved  from  the  faith  and  practice  of  the 
church,  he  turned  away  with  indignation  and 
hastened  to  report  the  case  to  the  ecclesias- 
tical authorities,  Antonio  on  that  very  night 
was  arrested  and  thrown  into  prison.  Al- 
though his  heart  was  sustained  by  the  com- 
forts of  the  gospel,  yet  he  had  a  dread  of 
being  seized  and  confined  in  a  loathsome  dun- 
geon, it  being  understood  that  an  uncle,  who 
had  once  displeased  the  ecclesiastical  rulers, 
was  long  thus  confined,  no  one  daring  to  in- 
terfere or  even  supply  his  necessities,  through 
ear  of  anathemas  or  punishment.  Priestly 
power  in  that  country  bows  to  none  other. 
It  binds  the  people  with  a  rod  which  they 
dare  not  even  bend,  and  are  much  less  able 
to  break. 

In  due  time  Antonio  was  arraigned  before 
the  highest  dignitary  of  the  church,  who  with 
subordinate  priests  and  rulers  formed  a  court 
for  the  trial  and  adjudication  of  those  accus- 
ed of  heresy.  It  was  a  critical  position  for 
poor  Antonio.  Here  he  stood  with  none  to 
advocate  his  cause,  without  money  or  influ- 


BEFORE  THE  COURT.  43 

ence  to  control  the  decision  of  his  judges, 
and  at  the  mercy  of  men  who  in  all  ages 
have  been  known  to  pass  the  most  cruel  and 
bloody  sentences  upon  those  who  presume  to 
differ  from  them  in  opinion,  or  set  up  their 
private  judgment  against  the  church. 

Unprotected  and  defenceless  as  Antonio 
appeared  to  be,  yet  another  remarkable 
providence  was  here  revealed  which  turned 
to  our  young  friend's  advantage.  Strange 
as  it  may  appear,  a  member  of  the  court,  on 
whose  decision  the  liberty  and  life  of  Anto- 
nio were  now  suspended,  was  a  personal 
friend,  and  felt  concerned  for  his  welfare. 
Embracing  a  suitable  opportunity  before  the 
trial,  he  privately  warned  Antonio  that  when 
he  appeared  before  the  court  he  must  not 
say  a  word,  but  keep  perfectly  silent;  for  if 
he  made  any  reply  to  the  questions  put  to 
him,  or  said  any  thing  in  his  defence,  how- 
ever harmless  it  might  be,  it  would  be  dis- 
torted to  his  disadvantage.  Antonio  observed 
this  friendly  and  wise  caution.  In  doing  so 
he  had  the  example  of  his  divine  Master,  who 
when  arraigned  before  Pilate  and  accused  by 
the  chief  priests  and  elders,  "  answered  noth- 


44  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ing."  And  when  Pilate  asked,  Hear  est  thou 
not  how  many  things  they  witness  against 
thee?  "he  answered  him  to  never  a  word." 
Thus  this  humble  and  faithful  disciple  of  Je- 
sus, when  brought  before  the  priests  and  el- 
ders of  a  church  who  persecuted  Christ  in  the 
person  of  his  little  one,  answered  not  a  word. 
To  all  their  questions  and  accusations  he  made 
no  reply,  but  kept  profoundly  silent.  What 
precisely  was  said  to  him  we  know  not ;  but 
as  the  merchant  from  Aleppo  had  reported 
his  having  heard  Antonio  explaining  the 
truths  of  the  Bible,  and  as  this  was  the  cause 
of  his  arrest,  it  is  to  be  presumed  that  his 
reading  the  Scriptures  and  teaching  them  to 
others  were  the  principal  points  on  which  he 
was  interrogated.  He  probably  was  told  that 
the  Bible  was  designed  for  the  priests,  and 
not  for  the  people ;  that  it  was  dangerous  for 
a  man  to  read  it,  especially  an  unlearned 
man,  and  that  by  doing  so  he  was  dishonor- 
ing the  church,  which  was  the  only  author- 
ized interpreter  of  the  Bible ;  that  in  teach- 
ing others  the  truths  of  this  book,  he  was 
committing  a  double  sin,  and  exposing  both 
himself  and  others  to  severe  penance,  if  not 


THE  INTERVIEW.  45 

to  excommunication  and  final  destruction. 
The  bishop  and  priests  probably  accused  him 
of  his  neglect  of  the  rites  and  observances  of 
the  church,  and  warned  him  of  the  danger 
of  becoming  a  final  apostate,  and  being  for 
ever  cursed  of  God  for  his  awful  wickedness 
in  renouncing  the  true  faith  and  becoming 
an  advocate  of  damnable  error. 

Having  portrayed  his  sins  in  all  their 
atrocity,  these  indignant  ecclesiastics  no 
doubt  uttered  their  terrible  denunciations, 
declaring  the  unpardonable  nature  of  the 
offence  he  was  committing,  if  unrepented  of 
and  not  humbly  confessed,  and  the  terrible 
anathemas  that  would  rest  upon  him  for 
ever.  And  on  the  other  hand,  with  kind  and 
gentle  words  they  endeavored  to  dissuade  him 
from  the  ruinous  course  he  was  pursuing, 
and  by  appeals  to  his  obligation  and  grati- 
tude to  the  religion  in  which  he  had  been 
reared — to  his  desire  for  peace  and  salvation, 
which  were  to  be  found  in  the  church  of  his 
fathers,  and  nowhere  else — to  his  regard  for 
his  parents,  who  would  grieve  at  heart  over 
his  spiritual  defection — and  to  his  love  for 
his  own  soul,  whose  hopes  depended  upon 


46  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

his  adherence  to  the  true  faith,  they  labored 
to  subdue  his  feelings,  and  induce  him  to  re- 
cant whatever  he  had  said  inconsistent  with 
the  teachings  of  the  church,  and  return  again 
to  her  bosom  as  a  true  and  loving  child  to 
his  faithful  and  holy  mother.  Above  all, 
they  doubtless  entreated  him  to  discard 
for  ever  that  Bible  which  had  operated  so 
injuriously  upon  his  mind  and  conduct, 
weakening  his  faith  in  the  rites  and  doctrines 
of  the  church,  and  leading  him  into  destruc- 
tive errors.  And  with  solemn  words  and 
authoritative  manner  they  no  doubt  com- 
manded him,  as  the  Jewish  priest  and  scribes 
and  rulers  commanded  Peter  and  John,  "not 
to  speak  at  all,  nor  teach  in  the  name  of  Je- 
sus." 

Antonio  kept  silent,  according  to  the  in- 
struction of  his  friend;  but  we  can  readily 
surmise  what  were  the  thoughts  of  his  heart, 
and  that  if  he  had  deemed  it  wise  to  speak 
in  reply,  he  would  have  said  with  Peter  and 
John,  "Whether  it  be  right  in  the  sight  of 
God  to  hearken  unto  you  more  than  unto 
God,  judge  ye ;  for  we  cannot  but  speak  the 
things  which  we  have  seen  and  heard." 


THE  DECISION.  47 

Antonio  loved  the  precious  Bible;  he  felt 
its  saving  power  upon  his  heart,  and  he  longed 
to  tell  it  to  his  poor  benighted  brethren,  and 
make  known  to  them  the  name  of  Jesns.  He 
could  have  said  with,  the  prophet,  "His  word 
was  in  my  heart  as  a  burning  fire  shut  up  in 
my  bones,  and  I  was  weary  of  forbearing,  and 
I  could  not  stay."  Antonio  was  not  un- 
mindful of  the  powers  that  be.  He  wished 
to  obey  all  proper  laws,  and  to  pay  deference 
to  the  constituted  rulers  of  both  church  and 
state ;  but  he  also  recognized  his  obligations 
and  responsibility  to  a  higher  authority  than 
any  earthly  court,  and  a  higher  law  than  any 
human  code.  And  when  the  commands  and 
prohibitions  of  the  bishop  and  priests  came 
in  conflict  with  his  duty  to  his  divine  Lord 
and  Master,  he  did  not  hesitate  which  to 
obey.  He  obeyed  God  rather  than  men,  and 
with  holy  boldness  both  read  the  Bible  him- 
self and  taught  it  to  individuals  or  collected 
groups  in  the  streets  of  the  city. 

The  court  before  whom  Antonio  had  been 
standing  a  silent  culprit,  having  exhausted  all 
its  powers  in  vain — having  persuaded  and 
threatened,  commanded  and  reasoned  with- 


48  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

out  producing  any  change  in  the  mind  of  the 
prisoner  at  the  bar,  openly  declared  him  to 
be  a  heretic.  As  such,  he  would  have  been 
doomed  to  the  punishment  usually  inflicted 
upon  those  convicted  of  this  aggravated 
crime,  had  it  not  been  for  the  influence  of 
the  kind  Mend  in  some  way  associated  with 
the  court.  This  secret  but  faithful  friend  in- 
terposed in  his  behalf;  perhaps  offered  some 
apology,  or  referred  to  some  palliating  cir- 
cumstances. Whatever  means  he  used,  he 
was  successful  in  controlling  the  minds  of 
the  judges,  and  effectually  averting  the  blow 
that  Antonio  supposed  would  inevitably  have 
crushed  him.  Antonio  was  released  from  the 
arraignment  and  set  at  liberty. 

Thus  the  angel  of  the  Lord  was  sent  to  de- 
liver his  faithful  young  servant.  Like  Daniel, 
he  feared  God  rather  than  man,  and  did  not 
desist  from  duty,  though  commanded  to  do 
so ;  and  God  honored  him  by  restraining  the 
power  of  the  lions,  and  rescuing  him  from 
their  jaws. 

What  an  instance  of  God's  wonder-working 
providence  is  here  seen,  in  the  agency  of  the 
person  who  so  kindly  and  efficiently  befriend- 


POWER  OF  FAITH.  49 

ed  Antonio.  It  was  God  who  formed  this 
curious  and  beautiful  link  in  the  chain  of 
Antonio's  history.  It  was  God  whose  wis- 
dom planned  that  one  of  those  in  whose 
hands  Antonio's  life  and  happiness  were 
placed  should  be  his  friend,  and  that  his  ad- 
vice should  overrule  the  decisions  of  the 
court,  and  secure  Antonio's  liberty.  Solo- 
mon says  there  is  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer 
than  a  brother.  He  was  such  a  friend  who, 
while  near  relatives  were  wanting  in  sympa- 
thy, wTas  exerting  his  influence  for  the  one  he 
loved,  when  that  one  wa£  in  danger  and 
trial. 

So  when  the  Christian  shall  be  arraigned 
at  the  bar  of  judgment,  He  who  will  be  his 
Judge  and  will  decide  his  case,  will  be  his 
Friend  and  Advocate,  and  by  the  plea  He 
will  present,  will  secure  his  acquittal  and  ac- 
ceptance. 

It  is  gratifying  to  reflect  upon  the  Chris- 
tian faith  and  patience  of  this  young  disciple, 
who,  not  knowing  what  should  befall  him, 
was  resigned  and  submissive  to  the  will  of 
God — rejoicing  in  being  found  wTorthy  to 
suffer  for  Christ's  sake.     With  meekness  he 

Bibhall&ny.  4: 


50  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

stood  before  his  accusers,  and  returned  no 
angry  or  resentful  word.  When  reviled,  he 
reviled  not  again;  when  persecuted,  he  an- 
swered not,  but  committed  himself  unto  Him 
who  judgeth  righteously.  Like  Jesus,  he 
was  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter ;  and  as  a 
sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he 
opened  not  his  mouth.  Here  was  the  faith 
and  the  patience  of  one  of  the  saints  of  God. 
It  was  a  present  Jesus  who  cheered  him 
by  his  smiles,  and  who  whispered  to  him, 
"Fear  not,  for  I  am  with  thee;  be  not  dismay- 
ed, for  I  am  thy  God.  I  will  strengthen  thee ; 
yea,  I  will  help  thee,  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee 
with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteousness." 

Antonio  had  cause  of  gratitude  to  God 
for  preserving  him  from  the  excruciating 
sufferings  which  have  been  inflicted  by  ty- 
rannical power  upon  its  helpless  victims. 
That  he  was  not  doomed,  like  his  worthy 
fellow-countryman  Assaad  Shicliak,  to  per- 
petual confinement  in  some  gloomy  dungeon, 
that  he  was  not  subjected  to  cruel  tortures, 
or  was  not  sentenced  to  be  consumed  on  a 
slow  fire,  or  have  his  limbs  torn  from  his  body, 
was  a  ground  of  thankfulness. 


THE  RELEASE.  51 

But  though  a  kind  Providence  rescued  him 
from  these  sufferings,  and  he  was  restored  to 
liberty  with  the  simple  charge  of  heresy  rest- 
ing upon  him,  Antonio's  trials  were  not  termi- 
nated. The  name  of  heretic,  attached  to  one 
who  has  belonged  to  the  Romish  communion, 
fixes  an  indelible  stigma  upon  his  character. 
It  separates  him  from  the  church.  It  sub- 
jects him  to  the  hostility  of  all  who  are  true 
in  their  allegiance  to  the  Catholic  faith.  It 
intercepts  all  intercourse  between  him  and 
his  nearest  relatives  and  friends,  and  induces 
them  to  abandon  him,  as  one  given  over  to 
the  devil  and  accursed  of  God. 

Antonio  having  been  released  hastened  at 
once  to  his  home,  not  thinking  but  he  would 
receive  a  joyous  welcome,  as  he  was  wont 
when  he  occasionally  visited  his  beloved  rela- 
tives. But  how  changed  were  the  counte- 
nance and  manners  of  his  beloved  friends. 
A  messenger  had  preceded  him,  and  spread 
the  news  of  his  defection  and  incurable  her- 
esy. His  mother,  who  was  accustomed  to 
clasp  him  in  her  arms  and  impress  upon  his 
cheek  the  kiss  of  affection,  now  closed  the 
door  in  his  face,  as  he  sought  to  enter,  and 


52  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

would  not  look  upon  him  or  say  one  kind 
word.  His  brothers,  in  whose  company  he 
had  found  so  much  pleasure  in  other  days, 
were  not  allowed  to  see  him.  Their  mother 
sorrowfully  gave  him  over  to  Satan ;  but  was 
resolved  that  the  other  sheep  of  her  fold 
should  not  be  contaminated  and  carried  away 
with  him.  His  acquaintances  and  neighbors 
scoffed  at  him  as  vile  and  detestable,  and 
with  lifted  hands  and  averted  faces  expressed 
their  unwillingness  to  recognize  him.  He 
was  excommunicated — an  outcast.  "He  had 
no  mother,  nor  brother,  nor  friend,  nor  home, 
nor  shelter,  nor  food,  nor  help  in  all  his  na- 
tive land.  He  stood  beneath  his  native  ce- 
dars a  stranger  among  the  mountains  of  Leb- 
anon, homeless  and  friendless  because  he 
read  and  believed  God's  word.  Finding  he 
was  not  to  gain  entrance  to  the  house  or  be 
considered  as  a  member  of  the  family,  he  felt 
reluctant  to  go  away  without  at  least  receiv- 
ing a  parting  word  from  that  dear  mother, 
towards  whom  a  child  so  naturally  looks  for 
the  expression  of  love.  But  no ;  even  a  last 
kind  look  and  the  tender  farewell  were  de- 
nied him.     Dejected  and  sad,  poor  Antonio 


DIVINE  SUPPORT.  53 

now  left  the  place  and  wandered  his  lonely 
way  towards  Beirut.  But  he  was  not  with- 
out comfort.  He  carried  his  cherished  Bible 
with  him,  and  opening  its  pages,  he  read  that 
his  Master  was  persecuted,  and  that  if  a  man 
were  not  willing  to  forsake  father  and  moth- 
er, houses  and  lands,  for  the  kingdom  of  heav- 
en's sake,  he  could  not  be  his  disciple.  He 
felt  honored  in  being  a  partaker  of  Christ's 
sufferings,  and  being  called  to  walk  in  the 
path  consecrated  by  the  steps  of  his  divine 
Lord  and  Master;  and  having  given  the 
required  evidence  of  discipleship,  he  rejoiced 
in  the  hope  that  he  would  also  share  in  the 
glory  of  the  Saviour — that  having  borne  the 
cross,  he  would  wear  the  crown,  and  dwell 
with  those  who  came  out  of  great  tribulation, 
and  who  had  washed  their  robes  and  made 
them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 

Antonio's  offence  which  subjected  him  to 
the  trials  above  narrated,  consisted  in  read- 
ing the  Bible  and  communicating  its  truths 
to  others.  And  what  sin  was  there  in  so  do- 
ing? The  church  of  Home,  it  is  true,  prohib- 
its the  people  from  reading  the  Scriptures, 
and  the  council  of  Trent  declares  it  to  be  an 


54  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

unpardonable  sin.  But  is  not  the  Bible  a 
revelation  of  God's  will  to  men,  and  are  men 
to  be  prohibited  from  reading  the  communi- 
cation he  has  made  to  them?  The  truths  it 
contains  are  adapted  to  the  condition  and 
wants  of  men,  and  have  a  bearing  upon  the 
welfare  of  the  whole  human  race.  As  all 
men  have  a  personal  interest  therefore  in 
the  Scriptures,  they  ought  to  be  used  and 
studied  by  the  people. 

How  did  our  Saviour  and  his  apostles 
speak  on  this  subject?  Christ  did  not  forbid 
the  people's  reading  the  Bible,  but  on  the 
contrary  enforced  the  duty  of  studying  it. 
"  Search  the  Scriptures,"  said  he ;  "  for  in 
them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life,  and  they 
are  they  which  testify  of  me." 

The  very  design  of  the  written  word  is  the 
edification  and  comfort  of  Christians,  and  the 
admonition  and  conversion  of  sinners.  "All 
Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and 
is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor- 
rection, for  instruction  in  righteousness,  that 
the  man  of  God" — not  the  priest  or  min- 
ister alone,  but  every  believer  —  "may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 


GOD'S  WORD  FOR  ALL.  55 

works."  This  blessed  book  is  a  precious 
letter  addressed  by  the  wise  and  gracious 
Governor  of  the  world,  our  Creator,  Redeem- 
er, and  Judge,  to  mankind.  And  shall  they 
not  be  permitted  to  read  the  epistle  which 
God  hath  sent  to  them?  Must  the  letter 
that  hath  come  from  our  heavenly  Father  to 
his  children  remain  sealed,  and  those  chil- 
dren be  kept  in  ignorance  of  its  contents? 
How  explicit  is  Paul  in  his  epistle  to  the 
Christians  at  Rome :  ""Whatsoever  things  were 
written  beforetime  were  written  for  our 
learning" — and  the  most  important  learning 
in  the  world,  namely — "  that  we  all,  through 
patience  and  comfort  of  the  Scriptures,  might 
have  hope."  For  our  learning,  mine  and  yours, 
ye  people  of  Rome,  tent-makers,  artificers, 
men,  women,  and  children,  old  and  young — 
for  our  good  were  these  doctrines,  precepts, 
promises,  and  historical  lessons  written,  that 
our  faith,  patience,  and  hope,  and  every  vir- 
tue, might  grow  and  abound. 

When  God  gives  truth  by  inspiration,  and 
appoints  it  to  be  profitable  to  conviction,  to 
conversion,  and  instruction  in  righteousness, 
that  men  may  be  led  to  the  Saviour,  and  be- 


56  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

lievers  farnished  unto  every  good  word  and 
work,  what  audacity,  what  wickedness,  for 
any  man  to  interpose  and  hinder  the  gracious 
design  of  the  Almighty,  and  that  by  a  law, 
and  under  a  curse ! 

Persecution  broke  out  in  Egypt  in  the 
early  part  of  the  third  century,  under  the 
iron  sceptre  of  the  emperor  Severus.  It  was 
spreading  devastation  over  the  church,  and 
many  who  loved  their  Bibles  and  loved  the 
Saviour  were  sacrified  as  martyrs  to  the 
faith  of  the  gospel.  A  young  man  sixteen 
years  of  age,  seeing  his  father  seized  by  a 
band  of  soldiers,  implored  them  to  release 
him;  but  in  vain.  The  aged  Leonidas  was 
thrown  into  a  dungeon.  The  young  man 
was  to  appear  himself  before  the  heathen 
tribunal.  He  would  confess  the  Saviour,  and 
offer  his  life  to  those  who  had  murdered  his 
brother  and  were  now  about  to  shed  the 
blood  of  his  beloved  parent.  His  heart- 
broken mother  clasped  him  in  her  arms,  and 
seeing  him  about  to  escape,  she  carried  away 
his  toga  and  tunic,  and  hid  her  son's  gar- 
ments, that  she  might  save  his  life.  Then 
the  young  man,  seeing  he  could  not  share  the 


LOVE  OF   THE   BIBLE.  57 

fate  of  his  father,  exclaimed,  "At  least  do 
not  abandon,  for  our  sakes,  the  name  of  our 
Lord  Jesus."  Leonidas  died  a  martyr's 
death,  leaving  his  wife  a  widow,  his  son 
without  a  protector,  and  six  other  children 
very  young. 

This  young  man  became  a  minister;  he 
rose  to  the  chair  of  Clement,  and  if  Clement, 
says  D'Aubigne",  instructed  a  thousand,  the 
son  of  Leonidas  instructed  ten  thousand. 
He  was  no  other  than  the  distinguished  Ori- 
gen,  A.  D.  220.  Addressing  one  of  his  own 
children,  he  says,  "My  son,  read  above  all 
with  deep  attention  the  holy  word  of  God.  I 
say,  with  deep  attention,  for  this  is  requisite, 
in  order  to  speak  and  judge  of  it  without 
precipitation.  If  you  persevere  in  the  read- 
ing of  the  Bible  with  a  fixed  mind,  and  with 
faith  knock,  whatever  is  shut  will  be  opened 
to  you  by  the  Porter  of  whom  Jesus  speaks 
in  the  gospel  of  John."  Like  the  son  of 
Leonidas,  Antonio  Bishallany  loved  the  Bible 
and  read  it,  and  commended  it  to  his  friends 
and  countrymen.  He  no  doubt  had  read  in 
his  Bible  the  case  of  Daniel,  who,  when  re- 
quired by  a  decree  of  king  Darius  to  refrain 


58  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

from  offering  any  petition  to  any  god  or  man, 
except  to  the  king  himself,  regarded  his  obli- 
gations to  the  King  of  kings  superior  to  the 
royal  mandate,  and  three  times  a  day  prayed 
and  gave  thanks  before  his  God.  And  he 
had  also  read  the  story  of  the  three  young 
men  who,  when  required  by  the  decree  of 
king  Nebuchadnezzer  to  bow  down  to  and 
worship  the  golden  image,  refused  to  obey  a 
command  so  directly  in  conflict  with  the  law 
of  God.  And  Antonio  was  no  doubt  confirmed 
in  his  convictions  of  duty,  and  strengthened 
in  his  purposes  of  obeying  God  rather  than 
man,  by  these  interesting  examples.  As 
Daniel  was  not  afraid  of  the  lions'  den,  and 
as  Shadrach,  Meshach,  and  Abednego  were 
not  terrified  by  the  fiery  furnace,  but  would 
rather  suffer  agony  and  death  than  violate 
their  consciences  and  sin  against  God,  so 
Antonio  was  willing  to  incur  the  indignation 
of  priests,  and  the  displeasure  of  his  family 
and  friends,  and  whatever  suffering  might 
be  inflicted  upon  him,  rather  than  act  in 
opposition  to  his  convictions  of  duty,  and 
offend  that. glorious  Being  whom  he  revered 
and  loved. 


INTOLERANCE.  59 

However  painful  the  treatment  Antonio 
received  from  the  rulers  of  the  church  and 
his  relatives  and  neighbors — however  strong 
the  aversion  and  hostility  awakened  against 
him — he  could  not  have  been  surprised,  for  he 
knew  that  the  same  exclusive  and  intolerant 
spirit  once  dwelt  in  him.  While  he  was  in 
the  employment  of  the  Italian  consul,  he  was 
a  bigoted  Maronite  Catholic,  and  relates  that 
upon  one  occasion  he  violently  closed  the 
door  upon  a  converted  Romanist,  and  vigor- 
ously and  harshly  denounced  his  unfaithful- 
ness. Referring  to  his  conduct  and  condi- 
tion, he  would  say  that  "he  was  as  bad  as 
the  worst  of  them."  Had  occasion  been  pre- 
sented, he  would  have  joined  in  the  opposi- 
tion of  his  sect  against  all  who  presumed  to 
differ  from  him  in  opinion,  and  been  ready, 
like  Paul,  to  persecute  the  church,  and  carry 
men  and  women  to  prison.  But  with  Paul 
he  had  now  obtained  mercy,  and  experienced 
a  wonderful  change  through  the  grace  of 
God.  A  great  light  had  shone  upon  him. 
The  love  of  Christ  had  taken  possession  of 
his  heart,  and  he  had  learned  to  love  all, 
of  whatever  name,  who  loved  the  Lord  Jesus 


60  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

in  sincerity  and  truth.  His  sectarianism  had 
given  way  to  a  universal  benevolence.  He 
did  not  limit  the  existence  of  piety  to  any  par- 
ticular church,  but  was  ready  to  recognize 
and  admire  it,  under  whatever  external  form 
it  appeared.  Discovering  that  freedom  of 
thought,  of  opinion,  of  conscience,  and  of 
speech  were  enjoyed  among  Protestants — 
that  among  them  the  Bible  was  an  open 
book,  accessible  to  all  the  people,  and  that 
encouragement  was  given  by  them  to  the 
dissemination  of  light  and  knowledge,  he  was 
naturally  led  to  identify  himself  with  them, 
and  become,  in  sympathy  and  affection,  in 
faith  and  practice,  a  sincere  and  humble,  a 
steadfast  and  faithful  Protestant  Christian. 


AS  DRAGOMAN.  61 


CHAPTEE   III. 

After  Antonio's  banishment  from  his  fa- 
ther's house,  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own 
resources.  His  services  with  the  Italian  con- 
sul for  a  while  furnished  him  a  comfortable 
and  pleasant  means  of  living;  but  having 
for  some  cause  relinquished  this  position, 
he  was  obliged  to  seek  other  employment. 
Beady  to  engage  in  any  honest  occupation, 
however  humble,  he  became,  in  1850,  a  drag- 
oman or  guide  to  travellers.  The  word  drag- 
oman properly  means  an  interpreter.  But 
one  serving  in  this  capacity  in  eastern  coun- 
tries, provides  horses,  or  mules,  or  camels, 
for  the  conveyance  of  travellers,  furnishes 
tents  and  provision  for  their  accommodation 
on  the  journey,  selects  the  best  route,  and 
adopts  every  means  to  secure  the  safety  and 
comfort  of  those  by  whom  he  is  employed. 
Antonio  was  active  in  his  new  profession,  and 
skilful  in  the  various  duties  required ;  and  by 
his  obliging  disposition  and  affable  manners, 


62  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

contributed  greatly  to  the  pleasure  of  the 
company  committed  to  his  care  and  guidance. 
He  once  accompanied  an  English  gentleman 
to  Alexandria,  in  Egypt,  and  thence  a  party 
up  the  Mle ;  and  often  served  as  a  guide  to 
travellers  from  the  United  State,  on  their 
journeys  through  Syria  and  the  Holy  Land. 
During  this  period  a  great  thought  was 
awakened  in  his  mind,  a  noble  and  benevolent 
desire  began  to  swell  his  heart.  Love  to 
the  Saviour,  and  love  to  the  souls  of  men, 
beoame  the  controlling  principles  of  his 
character ;  and  reflecting  upon  the  question, 
how  he  could  most  effectually  honor  the  Sav- 
iour and  save  perishing  men,  he  conceived 
the  idea  of  becoming  a  missionary,  and  de- 
sired to  go  forth  as  an  authorized  messenger 
of  the  gospel,  to  proclaim  the  news  of  salva- 
tion to  a  benighted  world.  The  desire  to  do 
good  to  others  is  the  natural  effect  of  piety; 
but  it  may  be  that  certain  circumstances  con- 
tributed to  turn  the  feelings  of  Antonio  in 
this  direction.  Probably  his  different  and 
extended  tours  as  dragoman,  giving  him  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  the  wide  fields  of  moral 
destitution,  and  the  multitudes  who  needed 


MISSIONARY  LOGGINGS.  63 

the  bread  of  life,  tended  to  call  forth  his  com- 
passion; and  perhaps  his  frequent  observa- 
tion of  the  missionaries  in  Syria,  and  the 
good  work  in  which  they  were  engaged, 
created  a  desire  to  be  occupied  in  the 
same  holy  calling.  "Whatever  suggested  the 
thought,  it  was  one  he  cherished  with  pecul- 
iar ardor.  He  beheld  millions  around  him  # 
living  in  ignorance  of  evangelical  truth,  de- 
luded by  a  false  religion,  and  going  on  to 
death  without  a  preparation  to  meet  their 
God ;  and  he  was  ready  to  say,  "  Woe  is  me, 
if  I  preach  not  the  gospel,"  and  do  not  seek 
to  rescue  from  ruin  a  dying  race,  and  espec- 
ially my  kinsmen  according  to  the  flesh. 

As  a  preparatory  step  towards  carrying 
out  his  purpose,  he  purchased  a  book  con- 
taining sentences  in  Arabic  with  the  English 
translation.  This  work  he  studied  atten- 
tively, in  order  to  become  capable  of  reading 
and  speaking  the  English  language ;  for  he 
had  discovered  from  travellers  and  other 
sources,  that  an  acquaintance  with  our  lan- 
guage would  be  of  essential  benefit  to  him, 
both  in  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  and  in 
communicating  instruction  to  others. 


64  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

He  had  heard  by  some  means  of  a  school 
on  the  island  of  Malta,  where  pious  youth 
were  gratuitously  educated  and  prepared  for 
the  missionary  work,  and  he  at  once  applied 
to  secure  the  advantages  thus  offered.  But 
he  met  with  disappointment.  For  some  rea- 
son he  failed  to  gain  admission  to  the  insti- 
♦  tution.  Deeply  lamenting  his  want  of  suc- 
cess, but  not  weakened  in  purpose  or  dis- 
couraged, for  he  had  strong  faith  in  God  and 
believed  some  way  would  be  opened  in  His 
providence  by  which  the  desire  of  his  heart 
would  be  attained,  he  resumed  his  occupa- 
tion as  dragoman,  and  for  some  time  offici- 
ated as  the  guide  and  social  attendant  of 
persons  who  went  from  this  and  other  coun- 
tries to  visit  that  land  so  associated  with  sa- 
cred memories,  the  land  familiarized  by  our 
scriptural  readings,  where  the  gospel  was  first 
proclaimed,  and  where  the  divine  Redeemer 
lived  and  died.  The  acquaintance  which 
Antonio  formed  with  these  different  travel- 
lers, being  in  general  gentlemen  of  intelli- 
gence and  reputation,  must  have  contributed 
much  to  his  improvement  both  in  mind  and 
manners.     And  it  is  not  unlikely  that  Iris  in- 


AMERICAN  TRAVELLERS.  65 

tercourse  with  travellers  from  America  had 
an  influence  in  controlling  his  determination 
for  the  future;  for  it  seems  he  now  directed 
his  own  thoughts  to  this  country,  and  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  come  to  the  United 
States,  hoping  that  greater  facilities  might 
be  enjoyed  in  obtaining  an  education.  He 
thought  also  of  this  country  as  the  country 
from  which  the  good  missionaries  had  come, 
and  he  wished  to  see  the  land  where  the 
Spirit  of  Christ  so  prevailed. 

Among  the  travellers  in  Syria  who  became 
acquainted  with  the  subject  of  this  biogra- 
phy, was  a  well-known  and  intelligent  Chris- 
tian gentleman  of  New  York.  As  he  was  in 
daily  intercourse  with  Antonio,  and  had  every 
opportunity  of  observing  his  character,  it  will 
be  interesting  to  quote  from  a  sketch  he  has 
kindly  furnished. 

"  My  first  recollection  of  Antonio  Bishal- 
lany  is,  that  upon  a  pleasant  morning  in  No- 
vember, 1852,  a  bright-eyed,  intelligent  look- 
ing, cheerful  native,  in  the  attire  and  having 
the  olive  complexion  of  his  race,  was  exhibit- 
ing in  the  court-yard  of  our  hotel  in  Beirut  a 
book  containing  words  and  sentences  in  Ara- 

Bishallany.  j) 


66  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

bic  with  the  corresponding  English  opposite, 
which,  when  asked,  he  agreed  to  sell,  but  with- 
out the  anxiety  for  money  which  is  character- 
istic of  the  people  generally.  I  well  remem- 
ber the  sweet  and  guileless  smile  with  which 
he  replied,  'No,  sir,'  to  an  offer  by  one  of  our 
friends  of  a  sum  less  than  he  asked.  I  soon 
afterwards  learned  that  he  had  been  engaged 
by  the  dragoman  whom  we  had  selected  to 
conduct  us  to  Egypt,  and  would  accompany 
us  in  the  capacity  of  cook.  I  also  learned 
that  he  owned  one  of  the  tents  and  other  por- 
tions of  the  equipments  for  our  journey. 

"During  the  first  day  after  leaving  Beirut, 
as  indeed  during  the  whole  period  we  were 
together,  Antonio  was  uniformly  cheerful, 
kind,  and  obliging.  His  gentleness  of  de- 
meanor, activity,  and  simplicity  of  character, 
joined  to  keenness  and  self-reliance,  were 
indeed  marked.  When  we  arrived  at  the 
camping-ground,  after  our  first  day's  journey, 
Antonio  was  all  activity.  The  stove,  a  lo.ig 
kind  of  grate  supported  by  four  legs,  was  soon 
in  place,  the  several  saucepans  and  pots  were 
in  requisition  for  our  dinners,  and  in  a  compar- 
atively short  space  of  time  our  meal  was  an- 


TOUR  IN  EGYPT.  6? 

noimcecl,  and  in  the  variety  of  dishes  and  style 
of  cooking  he  did  himself  great  credit.  We 
speedily  concluded  Antonio  was  a  good  cook, 
and  never  afterwards  had  occasion  to  offer  a 
complaint.  It  ought  perhaps  to  be  remarked, 
that  it  is  usual  for  those  intending  to  become 
guides  or  dragomen,  to  become  attached  to 
travelling  parties  in  some  inferior  capacity, 
in  order  to  learn  the  roads  and  names  of 
towns  and  villages,  and  to  secure  a  capital 
for  purchasing  the  necessary  outfit.  Anto- 
nio's knowledge  of  English  was  very  limited, 
so  that  it  was  impossible  to  carry  on  conver- 
sation with  him.  He  spoke  Italian  fluently, 
of  which  unfortunately  all  of  our  party  were 
ignorant.  The  book  of  which  I  have  spoken 
was  often  in  his  hands,  and  on  almost  every 
day  he  would  ride  up  to  us  asking  the  pro- 
nunciation or  signification  of  some  word. 
His  merry-hear tedness  was  a  subject  of  re- 
mark. I  do  not  remember  to  have  seen  him 
really  angry.  After  or  during  the  progress 
of  apparently  sharp  and  contentious  discus- 
sions in  his  native  tongue,  his  hearty  ringing 
laugh  would  be  heard,  and  if  addressed  im- 
mediately, his  winning  voice  and  his  placid 


63  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

smile,  to  which  all  his  features  contributed, 
would  show  that  anger  had  not  taken  hold 
of  his  heart. 

"He  once  related  to  me  that,  while  taking 
some  travellers  over  the  desert  between  Da- 
mascus and  Palmyra,  complaint  was  made 
to  him  that  during  an  encampment  a  man's 
head  and  shoulders  were  discovered  beneath 
the  canvas  of  the  tent,  with  the  evident  in- 
tention of  appropriating  something  belong- 
ing to  those  inside — the  Arabs  being  much 
given  to  pilfering.  Antonio  went  directly  to 
the  sheikh,  who  is  in  that  country  always 
held  responsible  for  the  acts  of  those  under 
him.  He  was  put  off  with  the  assurance  that 
the  disturbance  was  caused  by  a  camel  who 
got  too  near  and  stuck  in  his  head.  Antonio 
did  not  press  the  matter  further,  but  the  next 
night  kept  watch  with  a  stout  stick ;  and  when 
the  intruder  again  appeared,  gave  him  some 
blows  well  laid  on,  all  the  time  denouncing 
the  camel  for  his  ill-manners.  The  next  day 
he  told  the  sheikh  that  the  camel  had  repeat- 
ed the  experiment,  but  he  did  not  believe  he 
would  try  it  again ;  and  then  looking  at  the 
bandaged  head  of  the  other,  inquired  the 


TOUR  IN  EGYPT.  69 

reason  with  not  a  little  surprise.  The  sheikh, 
who  himself  was  the  intruder,  endeavored  to 
explain  the  cause  of  his  injuries  by  saying 
that  a  camel  had  suddenly  risen  as  he  was 
mounting,  and  threw  him  upon  the  ground. 

"  Our  difference  in  language  of  course  pre- 
vented religious  conversation,  but  we  knew 
that  Antonio  was  a  Protestant.  It  was  nec- 
essary that  he  should  not  make  an  ostenta- 
tious display,  for  his  own  peace  and  safety, 
but  he  was  no  religious  coward.  Thus  I  re- 
member that  he  attended  religious  services 
at  Damascus  on  the  Sabbath,  at  which  I  was 
not  a  little  surprised.  He  has  since  told  me 
that  he  was  obliged  to  approach  the  place  in 
a  roundabout  way,  and  through  unfrequented 
streets,  that  he  might  not  be  discovered  by 
the  bigoted  Mohammedans  or  scarcely  less 
bigoted  Catholics.  His  full  eastern  dress 
would  have  exposed  him  to  detection  and 
annoyance,  if  not  danger. 

"  He  did  not  seem  lazy  or  easily  fatigued. 
"We  usually  ate  breakfast  by  candlelight, 
and  arose  about  five  o'clock,  but  were  never 
detained  for  breakfast;  and  the  meal  over, 
the  cooking  utensils  were  speedily  cleansed 


70  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

and  packed  for  their  place  on  the  ranle's 
back.  So  when  we  halted  at  evening,  there 
was  a  prompt  unpacking  and  speedy  prepa- 
ration. His  was  an  interested  activity;  he 
derived  absolute  pleasure  from  the  perform- 
ance of  duty,  and  seemed  to  have  in  view 
some  higher  purpose,  to  be  actuated  by  some 
nobler  motive  than  simply  pecuniary  gain. 
His  good-natured  exuberance  found  vent 
upon  several  occasions  in  a  dance.  He  was 
urged  by  some  who  knew  his  skill,  to  enter- 
tain them.  On  two  occasions  I  went  to  the 
spot,  and  found  Antonio  going  through  the 
steps  and  wriggling  motions  of  body  called 
in  the  East  dancing,  while  the  entertained 
spectators  squatted  after  the  eastern  fashion 
in  a  circle  around  him.  At  Cairo  we  parted 
from  him.  The  only  favor  he  asked  was  a 
recommendation,  which  we  gladly  gave. 
There  was  no  demand  nor  hint  for  the  cus- 
tomary bucksheesh.  His  modest,  gentle, 
and  obliging  demeanor  confirmed  the  high 
opinion  previously  formed  of  him." 

The  foregoing  statement  is  especially  val- 
uable for  the  light  it  throws  upon  the  every- 
day character  of  our  young  friend.     We  see 


FRIENDS  IN  AMERICA.  71 

him  here  in  his  familiar,  unrestrained  con- 
duct, in  which  without  disguise  he  acts  out 
his  natural  disposition;  and  we  cannot  but 
admire  the  energy  and  activity,  together  with 
the  innocent  playfulness  of  his  character, 
his  firm  adherence  to  his  own  convictions  of 
duty,  and  his  constant  desire  to  promote  the 
comfort  and  secure  the  approbation  of  those 
whom  he  was  called  to  serve.  It  is  not  sur- 
prising that  the  writer  of  the  sketch  just 
given  should  form  a  strong  and  lasting  at- 
tachment to  one  possessed  of  these  interest- 
ing qualities. 

The  desire  of  Antonio  to  come  to  America 
was  sensibly  increased  by  having  thus  be- 
come acquainted  with  and  secured  the  friend- 
ly feeling  of  several  influential  citizens  of 
New  York,  from  whom  he  might  expect  a 
kind  reception  if  he  should  ever  reach  these 
distant  shores.  Other  friends  too,  whom  he 
accompanied  through  different  parts  of  his 
own  land,  he  remembered  with  interest,  and 
would  be  glad  to  meet  again.  But  chiefly 
was  he  influenced  by  the  impression  that  in 
this  country  of  churches  and  Bibles  and 
schools  and  Christian  benevolence,  whence 


72  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

many  missionaries  of  the  cross  had  been  sent 
forth,  he  might  obtain  the  advantages  of  ed- 
ucation, and  become  fitted  to  go  back  to  his 
native  country  to  preach  Christ  Jesus  and 
him  crucified. 

After  months  of  solemn  consideration,  and 
having  no  doubt  prayed  to  God  for  his  direc- 
tion, he  came  to  the  determination  that  he 
would  bid  farewell,  at  least  for  a  season,  to 
the  land  of  his  birth,  and  visit  the  United 
States.  About  August,  1854,  he  converted 
his  little  property  into  cash,  amounting  to 
about  $300.  He  owned  some  real  estate  in 
the  neighborhood  of  his  former  residence  on 
mount  Lebanon,  which,  from  some  peculiar- 
ity in  eastern  law,  he  could  not  sell.  He  is 
thought  to  have  said  that  it  was  necessary 
to  obtain  the  consent  of  the  neighbors;  but 
either  from  their  unwillingness  to  give  con- 
sent, or  his  want  of  time  to  await  their  action 
in  the  matter,  he  was  obliged  to  leave  the 
property  unsold. 

Having  made  arrangements  for  his  depar- 
ture, his  heart  turned  once  more  with  long- 
ing affection  towards  his  beloved  relatives. 
He  gained  an  interview  with  his  brothers, 


AN  UNNATURAL  MOTHER.  73 

who  liacl  not  spoken  to  him  since  the  period 
he  became  an  exile  from  his  home.  But  as 
to  his  mother,  her  rancorous  feelings  had  not 
abated.  She  viewed  him  as  a  vile  apostate, 
and  barred  both  her  heart  and  her  doors 
against  him.  Keluctant  to  go  away,  perhaps 
never  to  return,  without  seeing  her  who  had 
given  him  birth,  who  had  nursed  and  cher- 
ished him,  and  over  whom  his  kind  heart 
yearned  with  all  the  tencl,erness  of  filial  affec- 
tion, he  addressed  a  letter  to  her,  stating  his 
intention  to  sail  for  a  foreign  land,  and  beg- 
ging the  privilege  of  having  an  interview  with 
her,  it  might  be  for  the  last  time  on  earth. 
Strange  to  say,  this  appeal  to  her  heart  under 
circumstances  so  affecting  met  no  response. 
She  refused  to  see  him ;  and  Antonio  with 
sorrowful  heart  was  compelled  to  leave  his 
native  land,  it  might  be  for  ever,  without  bid- 
ding farewell,  or  even  taking  a  last  look  at 
her  whom  he  had  been  accustomed  to  address 
by  the  sacred  and  endearing  name  of  mother. 
One  cannot  but  think  of  that  touching  pas- 
sage of  Scripture,  "  Can  a  woman  forget  her 
sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  com- 
passion on  the  son  of  her  womb?     Yea,  she 


74  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

may  forget;  yet  will  I  not  forget  thee." 
There  are  instances  in  which  natural  affec- 
tion becomes  extinguished,  and  even  a  mother 
will  forget  and  turn  away  with  indifference 
from  her  own  son ;  but  God  is  unchangeable 
in  his  love.  I  will  never,  no,  never  leave  thee ; 
I  will  never,  no,  never  forsake  thee.  This 
promise  Antonio's  Bible  had  made  familiar 
to  him;  and  in  the  trials  of  this  unnatural 
orphanage,  when  cast  off  by  an  only  earthly 
parent,  he  looked  upward  to  his  Father  in 
heaven,  and  found  comfort  in  his  everlasting 
love. 

Antonio  took  ship  Aug.  22,  1854,  and  soon 
the  vessel  was  gliding  away  frorn  the  shore 
upon  the  bosom  of  the  Mediterranean.  As 
the  city  of  Beirut  gradually  vanished  from 
his  sight,  and  the  blue  summits  of  Lebanon 
were  seen  in  the  dim  distance,  his  heart 
swelled  with  emotion  at  the  recollection  of 
his  mountain  home.  The  scenes  of  his  child- 
hood, the  vineyards  and  olive-gardens,  and 
the  humble  cottage  where  once  he  enjoyed 
his  parents'  smiles,  passed  in  review  before 
his  mind.  He  thought  too  of  the  trials 
through  which  he  had  passed,  the  alienation 


SAILS  FROM  BEIRUT.  75 

of  friends,  the  death  of  his  father  and  the 
withdrawal  of  his  mother's  love,  and  the  cold 
reserve  of  his  brothers,  with  whom  he  had 
grown  up  in  the  indulgence  of  the  sweetest 
confidence  and  affection.  Thoughts  like  these 
could  not  be  otherwise  than  productive  of 
pensive  feelings,  especially  when  he  began  to 
realize  that  the  wide  abyss  of  waters  would 
intervene  between  him  and  these  objects  of 
interest,  and  that  possibly  he  might  never 
again  behold  his  native  land.  Still  he  was 
cheerful  and  sanguine  in  disposition,  and  it 
may  be  that  his  anticipations  of  visiting  this 
country  and  returning  home  prepared  to 
preach  the  gospel  predominated  over  any 
saddening  reflections,  and  gave  buoyancy  and 
joy  to  his  spirit.  His  natural  light-hearted- 
ness  would  serve  to  spread  a  bright  tinge 
over  the  future  horizon,  and  his  strong  faith 
in  God  would  relieve  any  anxiety  that  might 
for  a  moment  disturb  him.  He  had  conse- 
crated himself  to  the  Lord  :  to  become  a  mis- 
sionary was  the  object  of  the  voyage  he  had 
undertaken ;  and  he  was  happy  in  the  pros- 
pect of  accomplishing  his  purpose  and  com- 
ing back  to  tell  to  perishing  souls  the  glad 


76  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

tidings  of  salvation.  Still  he  knew  not  what 
were  God's  designs  with  regard  to  him,  and 
therefore  he  trusted  in  the  Lord,  believing 
that,  whether  he  lived  to  return  or  found  a 
grave  in  a  distant  land,  all  would  be  well. 

To  a  mind  observing  and  reflective  like 
Antonio's,  a  voyage  upon  the   ocean   must 
have  furnished  subjects  of  exciting  interest. 
What  incidents    occurred   on   the   passage, 
whether  the  vessel  encountered  violent  storms 
or  was  favored  with  calm  weather,  we  know 
not;   or  whether   Antonio   found   agreeable 
companions,  or  met  with  any  Christian  friend 
who  could  take  an  interest  in  his  case  and 
cherish  a  brotherly  affection ;   but  judging 
from  his  general  affability  of  manners  and 
anxiety  to  gather  instruction  froin  those  to 
whom  he  could  gain  access,  we  presume  he 
was  not  obliged  to  feel  himself  alone,  but 
found  in  the  ship's  company  those  who  were 
attracted  by  his  striking  qualities,  and  were 
ready  to  give  him  expressions  of  kindly  rec- 
ognition and  benevolent  feeling.      "When  it 
was  known  that  he  had  become  a  convert  to 
the  Protestant  faith,  and  had  renounced  his 
former  religion  in  the  face  of  persecution  and 


THE  VOYAGE.  17 

trial,  and  that  he  was  on  his  way  to  America 
to  prepare  to  instruct  others  in  the  truths 
which  had  been  the  source  of  light  and  sal- 
vation to  his  own  soul,  a  chord  of  sympathy 
and  affection  must  have  been  touched  in 
hearts  which  would  vibrate  in  unison  with 
his.  There  is  something  in  religion  that  ren- 
ders its  possessors  easily  recognized  by  each 
other  as  the  friends  of  Christ.  Their  thoughts 
and  feelings  run  so  much  in  the  same  chan- 
nel, that  there  is  some  outward  expression  of 
the  family  likeness  that  at  once  indicates 
from  what  Father  they  descended.  Hence 
in  a  promiscuous  company  it  is  not  long  be- 
fore they  who  have  drank  in  the  same  spirit 
and  love  the  same  Saviour  know  and  love 
each  other.  And  this  knowledge  and  affec- 
tion is  not  confined  to  any  sect  or  tribe,  or 
complexion  or  country.  As  religion  is  one 
under  all  circumstances,  it  will  bear  its  pe- 
culiar features  whether  under  the  dress  of  an 
Arab,  the  dark  skin  of  an  African,  or  the 
light  complexion  and  more  polished  exterior 
of  one  of  our  own  citizens.  Antonio's  olive- 
colored  face  and  eastern  costume  did  not 
obstruct  the   outgoings   of  those   Christian 


T8  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

sentiments  and  emotions  that  characterized 
him  as  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  or  prevent  that 
mysterious  drawing  of  heart  to  heart  which 
belongs  to  the  different  members  of  Christ's 
body. 

Whether  he  thus  met  with  spirits  congenial 
with  his  own,  or  was  left  a  silent  and  unno- 
ticed stranger,  certain  it  is  there  was  one 
Friend  with  whom  he  held  delightful  inter- 
course. He  was  accustomed  to  walk  with  God, 
to  commune  with  him  in  spirit,  and  draw  sweet 
enjoyment  from  his  presence  and  love. 

By  meditation  and  prayer,  and  the  habit- 
ual study  of  his  precious  Bible,  he  improv- 
ed the  days  and  weeks  he  spent  upon  the 
water,  and  experienced,  in  exercises  so  adapt- 
ed to  his  taste  and  feelings,  great  enjoyment. 
The  Christian's  happiest  hours  are  those  he 
spends  alone  with  God — when  he  feels  the 
quickening  power  of  the  divine  Spirit,  receives 
the  witness  of  his  being  born  again,  and  with 
filial  confidence  can  look  up  and  say,  Abba, 
Father.  These  are  joys  which  a  stranger 
knoweth  not,  which  are  unspeakable  and  full 
of  glory,  and  compared  with  which  the  pleas- 
ures of  this  world  are  emptiness  and  vanity. 


IN  BOSTON.  19 

In  October,  1854,  Antonio  landed  at  Bos- 
ton, thankful  to  Him  who  nileth  the  winds 
and  the  waves,  for  the  preservation  of  his 
kind  providence.  The  appearance  of  a  city 
in  this  western  world,  so  different  from  orien- 
tal cities  and  towns  in  the  style  of  architec- 
ture, streets,  conveyances,  and  costume  of 
the  people,  must  have  deeply  interested  him, 
and  we  presume  that  few  objects  escaped  the 
notice  of  his  observing  eye. 

Having  brought  with  him  letters  of  intro- 
duction and  recommendation  from  the  mis- 
sionaries at  Beirut  to  their  Christian  friends, 
he  at  once  sought  them  out,  and  was  received 
by  them  with  kindness  and  courtesy.  Bos- 
ton being  the  seat  of  the  American  Board 
of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  by 
whom  the  missionaries  in  Syria  had  been 
sent  out  to  their  field  of  labor,  and  Antonio 
having  been  personally  acquainted  with  those 
Christian  laborers,  and  bearing  dispatches 
from  them,  he  would  naturally  be  regarded 
as  a  welcome  visitor,  and  be  the  object  of 
sympathy  and  attention  among  the  friends 
of  Christ  in  that  city.  While  he  sojourned 
there,  he   was   kindly   aided   and   directed, 


80  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

and  received  his  first  experience  in  America 
of  fraternal  love  and  hospitality. 

His  desire  and  intention  being  especially 
directed  to  seeing  gentlemen  in  New  York, 
with  whom  he  had  formed  a  pleasant  acquaint- 
ance in  Syria,  he  did  not  tarry  long  in  Bos- 
ton, but  hastened  to  New  York,  where, 
learning  on  inquiry  the  residence  of  several 
friends,  he  soon  had  the  happiness  of  receiv- 
ing from  them  a  cordial  recognition. 

"  On  one  afternoon  in  October,  1854," 
writes  one  of  these  gentlemen,  "  I  was  aston- 
ished by  the  entrance  of  Antonio  into  my 
office  in  New  York.  He  wore  a  full  eastern 
dress.  On  inquiry  I  found  he  had  landed  at 
Boston,  and  had  been  brought  to  this  city  by 
a  Sound  steamer,  at  whose  dimensions,  fine 
furniture,  and  elaborate  fittings  up,  he  was 
not  a  little  surprised :  that  he  had  first  found 
another  and  elder  member  of  our  Syrian 
party,  and  then  came  to  myself.  He  has 
since  told  me,  when  I  asked  him  what  he 
knew  of  America,  and  what  reason  he  had 
to  expect  a  favorable  reception  from  Ameri- 
cans, that  he  knew  the  country  only  as  the 
end  of  the  world,  having  no  idea  of  its  geo- 


IN  NEW  YORK.  81 

graphical  position ;  and  that  he  judged  of 
his  reception  by  what  he  had  observed  of  the 
American  character  in  his  own  country. 

"  After  visiting  his  friends  and  meeting 
with  the  kindest  treatment,  he  accepted  the 
position  of  waiter  in  a  family  on  the  Fifth 
avenue.  His  object  in  doing  so  was,  while 
earning  a  livelihood,  to  become  acquainted 
with  our  habits,  and  learn  the  English  lan- 
guage. While  here  he  was  taken  sick,  and 
was  so  affected  by  the  care  and  attention  be- 
stowed upon  him  by  the  female  head  of  the 
family,  that  he  never  seemed  able,  though 
he  often  tried,  to  express  his  appreciation  of 
the  kindness,  and  his  weight  of  obligation  to 

Mrs.  H g,  for  her  unmerited  favors.     He 

did  not  seem  able  to  understand  how  it  was 
that  with  her  own  hands  she  should  bring 
him  food  and  administer  to  his  wants ;  and 
usually  wound  up,  as  when  upon  other  oc- 
casions alluding  to  other  kind  offices  towards 
him  he  found  himself  unable  to  command 
terms  expressive  of  his  deep  feeling,  with 
the  remark,  '  Well,  this  is  not  of  man ;  't  is 
all  of  the  Lord.' 

"At  this  time  I  was  particularly  struck 

Bislmllany.  Q 


82  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

with  a  remarkable  feature  of  his  character. 
It  must  be  remembered  that  he  was  brought 
up  in  the  humblest  society  of  a  Lebanon  vil- 
lage. At  times,  when  comparing  the  mode 
of  life  among  his  own  people  with  that  in 
America,  he  used  to  say  it  was  a  life  of  beasts, 
and  not  of  men.  The  feature  to  which  I  al- 
lude is,  that,  while  faithful  in  the  performance 
of  the  duties  of  his  position,  he  was  entirely 
at  home  in  the  most  polite  society,  and  was 
welcomed  as  a  guest  in  the  houses  of  our 
wealthiest  and  most  influential  citizens.  He 
seemed  to  prove  the  truth  of  Pope, 

'  Honor  and  fame  from  no  condition  rise.' 
He  was  not  awkwardly  bashful,  nor  shrink- 
ingly  timid.  On  the  other  hand  he  was 
always  self-possessed,  poised,  and  graceful ; 
and  yet  there  was  no  approach  to  presump- 
tion. He  did  not  force  himself  upon  atten- 
tion, nor  was  it  necessary.  His  nativity,  his- 
tory, vivacity,  gentleness,  intelligence,  win- 
ning amiability,  and  easy,  one  might  say  pol- 
ished manners,  everywhere  opened  and  kept 
open  a  door  for  liim.  It  indicated  to  my 
mind  the  highest  simplicity  of  character  and 
propriety  of  view,  that  he  could  gain  and 


TRUE  SELF-RESPECT.  83 

maintain  such  a  position.  In  his  employer's 
family,  he  was  looked  upon  and  treated  rather 
as  an  equal ;  and  yet  he  could,  without  loss 
of  self-respect,  and  without  lowering  himself 
in  the  eyes  of  his  friends,  act  as  became  a 
servant? 

"In  Syria  he  had  made  the  acquaintance 
of  a  member  of  a  family  living  on  one  of  our 
fashionable  avenues.  When  he  first  arrived 
in  the  city,  he  was  very  cordially  received; 
but  after  assuming  our  dress  and  finding 
employment,  he  noticed  a  change  in  manner. 
He  related  the  incident  to  me  with  a  great 
deal  of  earnestness,  and  an  expression  of 
deep  sorrow  that  a  foolish  pride  should  thus 
gain  ascendency  in  the  human  heart,  follow- 
ed, I  think,  with  a  laugh  at  the  folly  which 
would  erect  this  artificial  barrier.  I  have 
forgotten  the  particular  manifestations  which 
led  to  this  inference,  and  mention  the  inci- 
dent to  show  his  penetration,  ready  appre- 
hension, and  just  discrimination  between  re- 
quiring from  a  servant,  whoever  he  may  be, 
a  full  performance  of  duty,  and  treating  him 
outside  of  his  position  according  to  his  mer- 
its and  defects  as  a  man. 


84  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

"  At  tins  time,  early  in  1855,  Antonio  be- 
gan to  exhibit  a  strong  desire  for  knowledge, 
which  soon  became  intense.  He  began  to 
study  by  himself,  getting  from  time  to  time 
from  his  friends  such  aid  as  they  could  render, 
and  if  I  mistake  not,  commenced  attending  a 
public  school. 

"  The  book  which  he  loved  best  to  read 
and  study  was  the  Bible.     If  he  called  upon 
a  friend,  and  was  left  alone  a  few  moments, 
and  there  was  a  Bible  in  the  room,  he  would 
be  found  reading  it  when  you  entered;  and 
in  all  probability,  after  the  usual  salutations 
and  careful  inquiry  after  the  health  of  the 
several  members  of  the  family,  as  to  which 
he  was  very  particular,  he  wrould  ask  your 
opinion  of  some  passage  of  Scripture  about 
which  he  was  exercised,  or  else  would  sub- 
mit his  own  views  for  your  examination.     It 
might  be  well  to  say  that  he  almost  always 
had  on  hand  a  particular  line  of  investiga- 
tion, and  seldom  or  never  submitted  for  opin- 
ion a  general  truth,  or  inquired  about  some 
doctrine,  but  sought  the  signification  of  a 
portion  of  Scripture. 

"  There  soon  was  apparent  a  longing  desire 


EFFORTS  TO  DO  GOOD.  85 

to  do  good.  He  was  much  curbed  and  inca- 
pacitated by  his  limited  knowledge  of  our 
language ;  but  if  ever  a  man  used  in  this  re- 
spect to  the  uttermost  his  single  talent,  it  was 
he.  As  his  increasing  acquaintance  with  the 
language  enabled  him,  he  extended  the  field 
of  his  usefulness.  He  seemed  intuitively 
to  feel  or  sagaciously  to  discover  that  his 
proper  field  of  labor  was  with  the  lower 
classes,  and  especially,  if  not  exclusively, 
Roman-catholics.  Against  popery  he  had  a 
deep  and  bitter  hatred,  and  was  wont  to  term 
it  'the  mother  of  harlots,'  and  apply  other 
terms  taken  from  Revelation.  He  came  to 
see  me  very  frequently,  and  would  relate  his 
experiences  during  the  day,  and  ask  my  opin- 
ions upon  Scripture  and  other  points,  but 
especially  the  former.  I  was  engaged  in  a 
business  enterprise  which  taxed  and  perplex- 
ed me  greatly,  and  unfitted  me  to  listen  to 
him  with  the  same  interest  and  extend  to 
him  the  aid  which  I  could  now.  I  think  with 
delight  of  the  kind  charity  with  which,  dis- 
covering my  weariness,  and  perhaps  impa- 
tience, he  would  seek  some  other  member  of 
the    family,    and   full    of    sprightliness    and 


86  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

laughing  good-nature,  dropping  the  subject 
which  immediately  interested  him,  would 
seek  to  converse  upon  some  other  acceptable 
topic,  or  else,  rising  to  leave  at  a  compara- 
tively early  hour,  would  shake  my  hand  for 
good-night,  with  a  pleasant  smile  and  hearti- 
ness of  manner  which  indicated  that  he  more 
than  appreciated  my  feelings  and  position, 
and  had  not  in  his  heart  a  thought  of  cen- 
sure or  complaint. 

"  One  evening  he  told  me  that  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Tyng  had  asked  him  if  he  would  like  to 
study  theology,  and  become  a  missionary, 
and  his  reply  was,  that  such  was  his  object 
in  coming  to  America.  I  was  surprised  at 
this;  and  finding  that  such  was  his  deeply 
cherished  design  and  intention,  sought  an 
arrangement  by  which  he  could  be  gratified. 
He  accordingly  left  his  position,  and  in  con- 
nection with  giving  lessons  in  Arabic,  which 
aided  considerably  in  his  support,  went  to 
school,  and  also  took  private  lessons  at  his 
house.  "It  was  almost  painful  to  witness  his 
close  application  and  intense  earnestness. 
He  grappled  with  the  difficulties  of  our  lan- 
guage with  a  determination  to  conquer,  stim- 


ZEAL  IN  STUDY.  __  87 

ulated  to  new  effort  by  new  difficulties.  Ir- 
regularities in  spelling  and  pronunciation 
and  grammatical  construction  tried  liim  sore- 
ly, but  lie  never  despaired.  He  had  now 
taken  board,  and  the  late  hour  at  which  a 
light  could  be  seen  in  his  room  attested  his 
studious  habits  and  industry.  Beading,  writ- 
ing, spelling,  and  grammar  were  his  various 
studies,  not  omitting  the  holy  Scriptures, 
which  he  studied  more  than  all  the  rest,  and 
a  large  Webster  dictionary  which  he  con- 
stantly consulted.  He  read  in  many  books 
which  he  had  purchased,  or  which  were  given 
him,  to  aid  in  the  elucidation  of  some  point 
which  perplexed  him.  It  has  been  surprising 
to  me,  that  with  his  impetuous  enthusiasm,  he 
could  persevere  in  a  detailed  study  that  he 
undertook,  though  he  could  advance  only 
step  by  step. 

"  He  had  undoubtedly  wonderful  clearness 
in  his  apprehension  of  Scripture.  He  was 
conscious  and  confident  of  this  fact,  and  he 
chafed  under  his  limited  knowledge  of  the 
language.  '  Oh  if  I  had  only  knowledge  of 
the  English  language  to  express  myself!'  he 
often  said.     He  longed  to  communicate  his 


88  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

views  of  Bible  truth,  and  especially  to  over- 
throw what  he  believed  to  be  the  errors  of 
Romanism,  which  with  his  own  experience 
and  light  he  felt  abundantly  able  to  do." 

"I  remember  that  Antonio  came  to  me  one 
day  with  a  Bible  opened  at  Matthew,  with 
the  request  that  I  would  hear  his  exposition 
of  the  eighteenth  verse  of  the  sixteenth 
chapter.  I  listened  in  surprise  at  his  skilful 
exposition ;  and  then,  at  his  request,  referred 
to  Clark's  commentary,  which  I  had  before 
consulted  when  he  came  to  me  with  hard 
questions.  I  found  that  the  learned  doctor 
and  the  sagacious  Syrian  adopted  the  same 
interpretation. 

"  On  another  occasion  I  was  pushing  him 
hard  upon  some  doctrine  or  some  passage  of 
Scripture  which  he  could  not  explain,  or 
which  perhaps  was  inexplicable,  when  with  a 
solemn,  mysterious  look  he  said,  '  There  are 
some  things  which  cannot  be  understood, 
and  which,  if  we  try  too  hard  to  compass,  or 
are  too  anxious  to  comprehend,  will  make 
us  infidels.'  He  then  quickly  turned  to  Gen- 
esis, and  pointing  me  to  the  twenty-sixth 
verse  of  the  first  chapter,  where  the  plural  is 


HIS  BURNING  ZEAL.  89 

employed  by  God  in  speaking  of  himself, 
'Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,'  asked  me 
to  reconcile  it,  if  I  could,  with  the  singular 
number  employed  in  the  following  verses,  or 
to  other  teachings  that  there  is  but  one 
God." 

The  very  interesting  description  thus  given 
by  one  who  was  personally  acquainted  with 
Antonio,  and  observed  his  daily  life,  cannot 
fail  to  convey  the  impression  that  he  was  a 
young  man  of  superior  qualities  of  heart  and 
mind.  His  gentleness  and  amiable  spirit; 
his  humble  piety ;  his  quick  discernment ;  his 
thirst  for  knowledge,  and  his  determined  per- 
severance in  obtaining  it,  are  all  conspicuous, 
and  gave  promise  that,  if  his  life  should  be 
spared,  he  would  become  an  able  and  faith- 
ful minister  of  Jesus.  On  this  object  he  had 
placed  his  heart,  and  the  desire  and  expecta- 
tion of  going  back  to  Syria  to  publish  to  his 
own  people  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  ani- 
mated his  mind,  and  gave  him  an  interest  in 
his  studies.  "  He  fairly  burned  with  zeal  for 
his  divine  Master." 

From  the  severity  of  our  climate  acting 


90  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

upon  a  system  accustomed  to  the  warm  tem- 
perature of  an  oriental  country,  or  other 
causes,  his  health  became  somewhat  serious- 
ly affected,  and  with  the  view  of  affording 
him  the  advantage  of  a  change  of  air  and 
other  remedial  agencies,  his  kind  friend  Mr. 

H r,  in  the  summer  of  1855,  took  him  with 

him  to  Richfield  Springs. 

Before  he  left  the  city,  he  desired  to  be 
numbered  among  the  members  of  Christ's 
visible  church.  He  had  openly  avowed  him- 
self, both  by  word  and  deed,  a  friend  of  Christ 
and  of  his  cause,  but  had  never  yet  made 
a  profession  of  his  faith  by  identifying  him- 
self with  any  particular  body  of  Christians. 
He  wished  to  be  one  of  the  Lord's  flock  in 
name  as  well  as  in  deed,  and  to  participate 
in  the  privileges  of  his  house — to  enjoy  more 
fully  the  communion  of  the  saints,  and  espec- 
ially to  commemorate  with  them  the  suffer- 
ings and  death  of  their  divine  Lord  and  Sav- 
iour. He  therefore  connected  himself  about 
this  time  with  the  Pilgrim  church  on  Union- 
square,  from  whose  pastor  and  members  he 
received  uniform  and  continued  aid  and 
kindness  during  his  life.     He  was  grateful  to 


AT  RICHFIELD  SPRINGS.  91 

them,  and  I  doubt  not  their  reward  will  be 
that  promised  by  Christ  to  such  as  fed,  or 
clothed,  or  cared  for  the  least  of  his  disci- 
ples. 

The  Springs  being  beautifully  situated  in 
a  mountainous  region,  and  a  place  of  popular 
resort,  Antonio  had  an  opportunity  of  mak- 
ing many  friends,  several  of  whom  he  after- 
wards carefully  cherished.  It  was  his  spe- 
cial pleasure  to  roam  off  with  the  children. 
He  became  one  of  them,  entering  heartily 
into  their  feelings,  and  participating  in  their 
sports.  Usually  one  or  more  servants  would 
accompany  them  to  take  charge  of  some  of 
the  children,  and  this  opportunity  he  would 
embrace  to  expose  the  errors  of  Romanism, 
and  to  set  forth  Jesus  Christ  and  him  cru- 
cified. 

A  Christian  lady  of  this  city  who  met  An- 
tonio at  the  Springs,  and  became  one  of  his 
real  friends,  thus  refers  to  him : 

"  The  short  period  that  we  were  thrown 
together  at  Richfield  convinced  me  that  he 
was  far  from  being  well,  though  he  would 
not  allow  there  was  any  thing  serious  in  his 
slight  cough.     You  could  not  be  with  him 


92  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

without  observing  how  rapidly  and  wonder- 
fully the  powers  of  his  mind  were  being  de- 
veloped. 

"  Day  after  day  would  he  sit  with  his  Bible 
before  him,  so  completely  absorbed  in  it  that 
it  mattered  not  how  many  were  around  him 
or  how  much  conversation  was  carried  on. 
His  whole  soul  and  thoughts  were  on  the 
study  of  that  book  which  was  so  precious  to 
him.  If  any  other  book  was  offered  him  to 
read,  no  matter  how  good  a  one,  he  would 
smilingly  say,  '  I  thank  you,  lady,  but  it  will 
take  too  much  time,  and  will  not  teach  me 
what  this  will,'  laying  his  hand  on  the  Bible. 
Friends  would  tell  him  they  feared  he  applied 
himself  too  closely  to  study,  and  suggested 
his  taking  more  recreation  and  exercise ;  but 
he  would  say,  'O  no,  dear  lady;  do  not  fear 
for  me.  I  must  lose  no  time  in  learning  my 
Master's  will.'  It  was  double  labor  with  him, 
for  he  had  but  little  knowledge  of  our  lan- 
guage. He  was  obliged  to  ask  the  meaning 
of  many  words,  and  often  to  consume  the 
whole  day  over  part  of  a  chapter.  But  it 
was  wonderful  to  see  how  correctly  and 
clearly  he  seemed  to  comprehend  the  truth. 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  93 

Dwelling  on  the  love  of  God  in  sending  the 
Bible  to  him,  '  I  never  go  to  bed,'  said  he, 
'  that  I  do  not  thank  my  heavenly  Father 
for  sending  the  English  Bible  to  my  country; 
and  the  only  way  I  can  show  God  how  much 
I  love  him,  is  to  devote  my  whole  life  to  his 
service.'  The  subject  would  light  up  his  eye 
with  new  life,  and  make  him  the  more  desdr- 
ous  of  understanding  our  language. 

"His  desire  to  preach  the  gospel  increased 
daily.  If  asked  which  persuasion  he  would 
unite  with,  he  would  answer, '  Adam  and  Eve 
were  my  father  and  mother,  the  whole  world 
are  my  brethren  and  sisters,  and  Christ  is 
my  head.  I  am  an  evangelist ;  that  was  my 
Saviour  when  he  was  upon  earth,  and  I  must 
labor  to  bring  in  lost  sheep  that  have  been 
led  away  from  Christ's  fold  and  truth  by  the 
false  shepherds.'  He  would  converse  often 
in  a  figurative  manner  which  was  very  beau- 
tiful. On  speaking  to  him  one  day  of  my 
being  thrown  among  a  number  of  Jews,  he 
exclaimed  with  great  energy,  '  How  I  wish  I 
had  been  with  you.'  I  said,  I  fear  they  would 
not  have  talked  with  you  on  the  subject  of 
religion.    '  Oh,'  said  he,  '  I  would  have  talked 


94  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

to  you,  and  it  would  be  as  if  I  should  dash 
rny  stick  into  the  water  very  hard;  perhaps 
some  of  the  drops  would  fall  on  those  around.' 
He  was  very  fearless,  and  seemed  to  feel  a 
particular  interest  in  Catholics,  for  he  said 
they  have  not  the  true  light  set  before  them. 
Of  his  mother  it  was  extremely  touching  to 
see  his  great  desire  to  hear  from  her.  One 
kind  word  from  her  would  have  filled  his  cup 
of  happiness.  When  he  referred  to  her,  his 
countenance  would  change  and  his  eyes 
would  fill  as  he  spoke  of  her  alienation  from 
him ;  and  until  the  last  he  hoped  to  hear 
from  her:  but  he  had  given  up  mother  and 
brothers  for  Christ." 


AT  AMENIA  SEMINAEY.  95 


CHAPTEE  IV. 

In  the  fall  of  this  year,  1855,  Antonio  be- 
came a  pupil  in  the  Amenia  Seminary  in 
Dutchess  county,  N.  Y.  Soon  after  his  arri- 
val at  that  institution,  he  wrote  to  his  friend 
Mr.  H : 

"  After  my  respects,  you  must  know  that  I 
came  here  with  my  body,  but  my  heart  is 
remained  with  you.  Now  when  I  have  ar- 
rived here,  I  been  received  by  Mr.  Hunt  with 
all  respect  and  kindness,  and  the  school  very 
convenient  and  respectable  in  all  the  man- 
ners, and  the  delightful  climate  of  this  place 
would  be  the  only  means  to  cure  my  cough." 

He  here  applied  himself  with  great  dili- 
gence to  his  studies,  and  his  progress  was 
astonishingly  rapid.  It  was  indeed  painful 
to  notice  his  husky  voice  and  violent  cough- 
ing while  he  was  concentrating  all  his  ener- 
gies upon  the  acquisition  of  the  English  lan- 
guage. He  returned  home  at  the  end  of  the 
term,  and  concluded  it  would  be  imprudent 
to  return  for  the  winter.      He  accordingly 


96  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

remained  in  the  city,  giving  lessons  in  Arabic 
and  himself  taking  private  lessons  in  Eng- 
lish. 

He  occasionally  walked  in  the  beautiful 
grounds  of  Union-square  both  for  health  and 
recreation.  While  taking  one  of  these  ram- 
bles he  noticed  a  group  of  Italians,  and  over- 
heard them  conversing  on  the  trials  they  had 
experienced  in  their  own  country  from  read- 
ing- the  Bible.  He  immediately  joined  them, 
and  being  familiar  with  their  language,  min- 
gled with  spirit  in  the  conversation.  He 
soon  drew  out  of  them  their  history,  and  be- 
ing a  stranger  himself,  he  sympathized  with 
them  and  offered  them  his  aid.  The  Rev. 
Dr.  Holclich,  Secretary  of  the  American  Bi- 
ble Society,  who  was  intimately  acquainted 
with  Antonio,  says  of  his  connection  with 
these  young  men : 

"  He  learned  from  them  that  in  their  own 
country  and  city  they  had  become  interested 
in  religion.  They  endeavored  to  obtain  Bi- 
bles. They  went  to  several  bookstores,  but 
the  owners  said  they  had  none.  At  length 
one  acknowledged  that  he  had  Bibles,  but  he 
would  not  sell  them  unless  on  the  condition 


YOUNG  ITALIANS.  97 

that  they  should  keep  the  knowledge  of  their 
having  one  from  the  priests,  as  the  bookseller 
feared  he  might  otherwise  be  involved  in 
trouble.  They  gave  the  pledge  and  took  the 
precious  volume.  They  read  it  together,  and 
were  not  very  long  in  discovering  that  if 
these  things  were  so,  Italy  was  no  place  for 
them.  They  could  no  longer  conform  to  nor 
countenance  the  corruptions  of  the  Romish 
church,  and  they  had  better  quietly  take 
their  departure  while  they  could.  They  came 
to  New  York,  and  strangers  and  friendless 
as  they  were,  and  ignorant  of  the  language, 
providentially  met  with  Bishaliany  a  few 
days  after  their  arrival. 

"The  young  men  were  artisans  of  some 
sort.  They  united  in  a  sort  of  club,  took  a 
room,  wrought  at  there  avocations  in  the  day, 
and  spent  the  evenings  together  in  their  re- 
treat studying  the  Bible.  Here  Bishaliany 
regularly  met  with  them,  assisting  them  in 
their  studies,  and  by  the  aid  of  his  better 
knowledge  explaining  to  them  what  was  dif- 
ficult, and  enabling  them  to  reconcile  appar- 
ently conflicting  or  contradictory  passages. 
It  was  to  help  him  in  this  that  he  applied  for 

Bishaliany.  7 


98  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

Bibles  at  the  Bible-house  in  English  and  Ital- 
ian, being  very  particular  to  ask  for  Bibles 
with  references,  the  better  to  aid  them  in 
their  researches  and  comparisons. 

"  And  here  I  might  say  a  word  in  regard  to 
his  fitness  for  such  an  office.  Although  it  was 
difficult  to  converse  with  satisfaction  owing 
to  the  causes  before  mentioned,  and  because 
in  my  room  fronting  on  a  noisy  street  we 
were  frequently  interrupted  both  by  noise  and 
by  company,  yet  it  was  not  difficult  to  per- 
ceive that  he  was  a  young  man  of  more  than 
ordinary  mental  acumen.  His  mind  was 
strong,  his  apprehension  quick,  his  judgment 
sound,  and  within  his  range  of  thought  he 
was  a  close  thinker.  He  was  not  content 
with  skimming  the  surface;  he  wanted  to 
dive  into  the  depths  of  truth.  He  said  in  his 
peculiar  way, '  If  persons  want  to  understand 
the  Bible,  they  must  not  be  contented  to  read 
it ;  they  must  study,  study,  study  ;  they  must 
go  deep,  deep,  deep ;'  accompanying  it  with  a 
significant  motion  of  the  head,  showing  how 
a  person  must  dig  deep  to  bring  up  hidden 
treasures.  It  was  evident  that  this  was  the 
course  he  was  taking  with  regard  to  the  Bi- 


DEBATES  ON  ROMANISM.  99 

ble.  I  was  often  surprised  at  the  shrewd 
and  ingenious  remarks  he  made  npon  the 
Scriptures,  showing  not  only  close  study  and 
familiar  knowledge  of  the  sacred  contents, 
but  independent  and  original  views.  He 
thought  over  the  subject,  and  his  remarks 
were  the  result  of  his  own  investigations. 

"  It  was  clear  that  he  was  not  familiar  with 
theological  writers.  I  doubt  whether  he  knew 
what  a  book  of  biblical  criticism  or  system- 
atic divinity  is,  or  had  ever  heard  the  name 
of  such  a  book.  It  may  therefore  be  well 
supposed  that  many  of  the  thoughts  which 
would  strike  him  with  all  the  force  of  origi- 
nal discoveries,  were  familiar  to  the  minds  of 
biblical  students ;  yet  were  they  none  the  less 
evincive  of  his  spirit  of  thoughtful  and  ingen- 
ious investigation. 

"  On  one  occasion  he  brought  with  him  and 
introduced  to  me  his  three  Italian  friends. 
He  also  related  at  different  times  conversa- 
tions he  had  with  Professor on  the  sub- 
ject of  Romanism,  a  system  which  that  pro- 
fessor had  embraced,  and  on  which  Bishal- 
lany  had  many  and  protracted  discussions 
with  him.     I  cannot  recall  the  substance  of 


100  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

those  conversations,  nor  do  I  know  the  pre- 
cise ground  assumed  by  the  professor.  I  can 
easily  conceive,  however,  that  he  found  in 
our  young  friend  no  mean  antagonist.  He 
had  thought  much  upon  the  subject;  and 
probably  his  own  thoughts,  derived  not  from 
human  aids,  but  simply  from  the  study  of  the 
Bible,  would  be  more  effectual  than  any  other 
agencies  that  could  be  employed." 

.  We' learn  from  another  friend  of  Antonio 
that  "  his  mind  was  much  occupied  by  these 
discussions  with  this  gentleman  of  learning 
and  high  cultivation.  These  conversations 
would  often  extend  over  several  hours  a  day, 
and  exercised  his  mind  very  deeply.  The 
professor  brought  against  him  arguments 
from  the  fathers,  of  whose  writings  he  was 
ignorant,  and  from  history  with  which  he  was 
equally  unacquainted,  and  difficult  passages 
from  the  Bible  which  had  not  been  with  him 
a  subject  of  special  examination.  He  could 
not  rest  contented  until  the  fathers  had  been 
consulted,  and  the  history  had  been  exam- 
ined, and  a  true  interpretation  of  Scripture, 
sustaining  his  views,  had  been  clearly  ar- 
rived at." 


LETTER  ON  ROMANISM.  101 

Among  a  few  papers  left  by  Antonio  is  the 
following  communication,  addressed  to  the 
professor  with  whom  he  held  these  discus- 
sions. There  are  numerous  errors  in  orthog- 
raphy, and  inaccuracy  in  the  formation  of 
sentences.  Correcting  these,  we  will  give 
an  extract  from  the  document. 

"  Professor Undertaking  and  con- 
sulting have  led  me  to  promise  myself  some 
success.  I  was  born  when  the  people  of  God  in 
Spain  were  perishing  in  the  fire  by  the  hand  of 
new  Babylon's  merchants — thirty-two  thou- 
sand who  had  not  confessed  to  the  authority 
of  the  pope — and  their  ashes  have  been  blown 
or  destroyed  by  the  wind.  They  were  living 
in  the  liberty  of  religion.  You  have  treated 
them  in  the  streams  of  blood  and  burning 
fire.  Such  was  the  odious  spectacle  which 
first  presented  itself  to  my  sight,  and  having 
the  earth  of  Europe  plunged  in  the  blood  of 
the  saints  by  the  sword  of  him  who  standeth 
on  the  throne  of  Peter.  The  cries  of  the  dy- 
ing, the  groans  of  the  oppressed,  the  tears  of 
despair  were  the  companions  of  my  infant 
days  of  new  birth,  and  you  quitted  that  lib- 
erty, the  price  of  which  was  the  blood  of  the 


102  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

only  Saviour;  and  with  it  disappeared  all 
hopes  of  happiness.  Their  submission  was 
slavery,  loaded  with  the  triple  chain  of  the 
soldier,  the  legislator,  and  the  tax-gatherer. 

"While  perusing  their  writings  my  heart 
boils  with  indignation,  and  I  have  resolved 
to  dissipate  these  delusions  the  offspring  of 
ignorance.  My  early  study  of  the  word  of 
God  and  the  English  language,  the  arguments 
we  have  had  from  first  to  last,  and  the  me- 
morials to  which  I  have  had  access  in  the 
portfolios  from  you  and  from  my  friends,  have 
led  me  to  promise  myself  some  success.  I 
wish  to  blacken  with  the  pencil  of  dishonor 
those  who  have  betrayed  the  common  poor. 
I  wish  to  call  all  the  arguments  which  have 
passed  between  you  and  me  before  the  pub- 
He  opinion.  Let  them  set  forth  the  vexatious 
proceedings,  and  expose  the  secret  intrigues, 
and  if  possible  interest  the  present  virtuous 
community  in  the  deplorable  situation  we  are 
in.  Still  young,  my  enterprise  seems  daring, 
but  love  to  the  truth  and  to  my  God  and 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  my  fellow-sheep  im- 
pels me,  and  awakens  the  enthusiasm  I  feel 
at  the  prospect  of  ameliorating  the  condition 


LETTER  ON   ROMANISM.  103 

of  men  with  regard  to  the  truth.  I  know  that 
it  will  arouse  against  me  the  numerous  body 
of  Babylon  merchants,  of  whom  you  are  one — 
those  who  spend  all  their  life  in  cultivating 
the  fine  arts  of  superstition.  You  have  col- 
lected some  beautiful  specimens,  and  in  re- 
peating* them  daily,  you  have  subdued  the 
people  of  God  under  your  cunning  power, 
and  especially  in  the  almost  daily  practising 
of  the  science  of  error,  so  as  to  deceive  the 
world.  Bishallany  has  never  undertaken  to 
be  an  insulter,  neither  will  he  be.  But  what 
matters  it  with  you  doers  of  iniquity,  that  bite 
with  the  teeth  like  the  asps,  and  cry  peace  ? 
Oh  divine  practice,  to  attack  the  ignorant 
poor  with  violence  under  threats  of  wrath  of 
God!  No,  no,  even  the  world  thought  you 
unable  to  do  it.  But  what  matters,  so  far  as 
the  welfare  of  the  people  of  God  is  concern- 
ed? If  the  bolt  falls  I  shall  examine  my 
heart,  and  shall  recollect  the  lawfulness  of 
my  motives,  and  at  that  moment  I  shall  defy 
it. 

"  How  can  I  keep  silent  ?  If  I  had  kept 
silent,  the  rocks  would  have  spoken  and 
contradicted  your  error.     Do  you  know  that 


104  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

the  priest  of  your  sect  said  to  me,  Keep 
silent;  neither  keep  the  Bible  nor  speak  the 
truth,  or  lose  mother,  brethren,  kindred,  re- 
lations, friends,  home,  property,  native  place, 
and  country.  Choose  then  what  you  will  do. 
Then  I  said,  It  is  not  your  way  only,  but  your 
fathers  persecuted  the  prophets  before  you. 
Sir,  I  said,  I  rather  choose  the  truth,  which  is 
the  Bible,  and  the  powerful  sword  of  liberty. 
For  what  profit  to  me  if  I  gain  the  whole 
world  and  lose  my  own  soul?  Sir,  I  believe  by 
this  sword  I  shall  gain  souls  to  Christ ;  for  it 
is  rather  for  me  to  gain  a  soul  to  Christ  than 
to  gain  mountains  of  gold  and  silver.  What 
gift  shall  I  offer  to  the  human  family  I  love, 
and  to  mankind,  better  than  this  mighty  spir- 
itual sword  by  which  to  deliver  themselves 
from  your  terror  and  bondage?  As  I  know 
how  to  do  this  good,  why  should  I  not  do  it? 
To  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth 
it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin.     James  3 :17. 

"  The  priests  of  your  sect  hastened  to  the 
church,  published  my  name  in  public,  saying, 
We  have  paid  this  man  for  all  he  possessed 
in  this  country,  and  he  is  like  a  wild  bird 
lighting  in  a  tree  in  the  wood — to-morrow  he 


LETTER  ON  ROMANISM.  105 

shall  fly  away.  And  my  flight  was  directed 
to  America,  with  the  same  spiritual  sword  by 
which  the  name  of  Christ  was  proclaimed. 
And  here  I  hope  to  have  it  polished  and 
sharpened  in  the  theological  seminary,  and 
then  to  draw  out  the  spiritual  sword  and 
drive  away  the  wolves  from  before  their  cave, 
that  new  Babylon  of  Rome,  and  cry,  '  Come 
out  of  her,  my  people,  that  ye  be  not  partak- 
ers of  her  sins,  and  that  ye  receive  not  of  her 
plagues;  for  her  sins  have  reached  unto 
heaven,  and  God  hath  remembered  her  ini- 
quities.' And  this  coming  has  begun,  be- 
ginning as  when  you  see  the  sheep  coming 
out  of  your  unclean  hold,  and  entering  Christ's 
fold.  The  priests,  bishops,  and  heads  begin 
to  despair,  and  say,  "What  a  pity.  Oh  they 
have  gone;  they  have  perished;  and  so  on. 
They  stand  afar,  and  say,  Alas,  alas,  that 
great  terror,  that  mighty  pope,  'in  one  hour 
his  judgment  is  come,'  for  '  strong  is  the  Lord 
God  who  judgeth  him.' 

"  But  we  know  that  God  is  merciful  to  them 
who  cry  to  him  alone,  according  to  his  prom- 
ise to  our  fathers:  I  will  go  always  before 
you — that  is,  the  true  church. 


106  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

"  Before  the  famine  came,  God  caused  Jo- 
seph to  be  sold  into  Egypt.  After  the  people 
were  oppressed  by  the  Egyptians  and  they 
sighed  unto  God,  he  raised  up  Moses  to  de- 
liver them,  and  he  delivered  them  with  mighty 
power ;  but  when  they  worshipped  Remphan 
and  figures  the  work  of  their  hands  and 
feared  them,  then  God  said,  '  I  will  carry  you 
beyond  Babylon.' 

"  God  spoke  by  Moses,  '  A  Prophet  shall 
the  Lord  your  God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your 
brethren,  like  unto  me;  him  shall  ye  hear.' 
Therefore  Christ  only  we  ought  to  hear. 
Christ  promised  also  to  his  church,  that  it 
never  shall  fail.  As  God  raised  Joseph  from 
his  brethren,  Moses  from  Israel,  Christ  from 
David  according  to  the  flesh,  so  God  raised 
up  Luther  from  among  the  monks,  to  turn 
back  the  worshippers  of  Bemphan  and  the 
work  of  their  hand  from  beyond  Babylon. 
And  so  God  is  raising  up  us,  one  after  anoth- 
er, to  hasten  the  putting  down  Babylon  dis- 
traction. 

"  I  remain,  with  respect,  Professor  , 

your  most  humble  and  most  obedient  servant, 
"A'O.  BISHALLANY,  from  mount  Lebanon." 


HIS  PROTESTANTISM.  107 

Tlie  ideas  liere  conveyed,  and  the  beauty 
and  force  with  which  many  of  them  are  ut- 
tered in  a  language  unlike  his  native  tongue, 
and  as  yet  but  imperfectly  acquired,  indi- 
cate a  thinking  mind,  and  excite  admiration. 
His  deep  conviction  of  the  error  and  wicked- 
ness of  that  system  of  religion  he  wished  to 
expose,  and  if  possible,  destroy ;  his  familiar 
knowledge  of  it  from  childhood,  and  the  per- 
secutions he  experienced  from  its  adherents, 
gave  him  deep  and  indelible  impressions  of 
its  false  principles,  its  destructive  tendencies, 
and  its  intolerant  nature ;  and  from  the  ful- 
ness of  his  heart  his  mouth  spoke,  and  his 
pen  wrote.  His  hatred  of  falsehood  and  love 
of  truth  rendered  him  bold  and  emphatic  in 
condemning  the  one  and  defending  the  other. 
Love  to  men  rendered  him  anxious  to  rescue 
them  from  the  delusive  errors  of  a  false  faith, 
and  to  guide  them  into  the  path  of  light  and 
safety.  The  greater  his  love  to  the  souls  of 
his  fellow-men,  the  more  he  pitied  those  who 
were  led  astray  by  "  the  sleight  of  men  and 
cunning  craftiness  whereby  they  lie  in  wait 
to  deceive ;"  and  speaking  the  truth  in  love, 
he  tried  to  win  them  back  unto  the  know- 


108  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ledge  of  Christ  and  the  doctrine  that  is  ac- 
cording to  godliness. 

The  controversy  Antonio  held  with  the 
learned  professor  was  entered  upon  and  pur- 
sued as  well  from  a  sincere  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare of  his  distinguished  friend  as  from  an 
anxiety  to  confute  his  theological  opinions. 
He  cherished  a  high  personal  regard  for  his 
antagonist.  He  believed  him  to  be  in  error, 
and  in  an  error  that  affected  his  soul's  immor- 
tal interest,  and  the  interest  of  thousands  over 
whom  his  talents  and  position  gave  him  influ- 
ence; and  trusting  in  the  Lord  of  hosts,  he 
was  ready,  like  David,  to  go  forth  with  the  sim- 
ple sling  of  truth  and  meet  the  mighty  one  of 
Gath.  But  it  was  the  hand  of  love  that  used 
that  sling ;  and  had  he  conquered  his  eminent 
opponent  and  made  him  a  willing  captive  to 
the  evangelical  faith,  he  would  have  rejoiced 
in  the  benefit  he  had  been  the  humble  instru- 
ment of  conferring. 

The  discussions  he  held  with  this  gentle- 
man were  no  doubt  conducted  with  great 
spirit  and  animation.  Antonio's  manners 
were  earnest  and  impetuous.  When  his  feel- 
ings were  aroused,  his  countenance  lighted  up, 


ARDOR  IN  DEBATE.  109 

his  gestures  became  frequent  and  violent, 
and  in  the  effort  to  speak  with  rapidity, 
while  yet  incompetent  to  command  the  words 
he  needed  to  express  his  abundant  thoughts 
and  still  greater  emotions,  he  would  seem 
perfectly  impassioned. 

Although  these  discussions  were  earnest, 
and  as  is  usual  in  controversial  debates  may 
have  approached  at  times  to  acerbity,  yet 
they  disturbed  not  the  friendly  sentiments 
existing  between  the  parties.  Antonio  always 
cherished  a  high  personal  esteem  for  the  pro- 
fessor, and  in  return  was  regarded  by  his 
learned  friend  with  the  kindest  feelings.  He 
loved  his  warm  and  ingenuous  nature;  ad- 
mired his  thirst  for  knowledge,  and  his  hum- 
ble and  fervent  piety.  Their  debates,  instead 
of  in  any  degree  alienating  their  feelings,  were 
in  fact  the  means  of  uniting  them  in  closer 
bonds  of  friendship. 

The  lady  who  met  Antonio  at  Richfield 
refers  to  the  love  he  expressed  towards  Pro- 
fessor   ,  "  that  wise  man,"   as  he  called 

him;  how  he  studied  and  labored  to  lead 
him  into  the  true  sheepfold,  and  how  happy 
he  would  be  if  he  would  leave  the  new  Baby- 


110  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

Ion  of  Rome  and  become  a  true  shepherd  of 
Jesus  Christ.  His  heart  seemed  full  of  affec- 
tion towards  him,  and  deeply  concerned  for 
his  happiness. 

That  this  land  feeling  was  mutual,  is  evi- 
dent from  a  friendly  note  received  from  the 
professor  by  Antonio  when  at  Amenia. 

"  My  dear  Antonio — I  received  your  very 
agreeable  letter  a  few  days  ago,  and  was 
sorry  to  have  bad  news  of  your  health. 
But  let  us  hope  that  with  fine  weather  you 
will  be  restored  to  your  usual  health  and 
strength 

"  I  have  been  much  struck  with  your  im- 
provement in  style,  orthography,  and  hand- 
writing. It  is  really  wonderful.  Your  cheer- 
fulness and  patience  under  your  long  illness 
is  very  edifying  and  beautiful  to  witness.  I 
am  sure  nothing  but  a  truly  earnest  and 
Christian  faith  could  inspire  such  gentleness 
and  courage.  That  the  constant  meditation 
upon  the  blessed  sacrifice  which  our  divine 
Redeemer  made  of  himself  upon  his  cross 
for  us,  may  prove  the  fruitful  source  of  peace 
and  comfort  to  all  who  seek  it,  shall  be  my 


THE  BIBLE  AND  ROME.  Ill 

fervent   prayer,   as  I  know  it  ever  will  be 
yours 

"  May  heaven  bestow  its  choicest  favors 
upon  you,  and  granting  you  good  wishes, 
grant  also  their  fulfilment. 

"  I  shall  always  be  happy  to  hear  from  you. 
We  are  all  well,  and  wish  to  be  particularly 
remembered.  My  mother  is  less  strong  than 
usual,  but  is  able  to  go  about,  and  inquires 
respecting  your  health  and  prospects. 
Yours,  with  much  regard, 


The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  manuscript  of 
Antonio,  in  which  he  draws  a  contrast  be- 
tween the  teaching  of  the  Sci'ijotures,  and  that 
of  the  church  of  Rome. 

"  The  true  teacher  is  the  holy  Scriptures. 
By  them  we  should  compare  the  teaching 
which  teachers  present  to  us :  if  it  agree  with 
them,  it  is  from  God;  but  if  it  contradict 
them,  it  is  from  Satan.  It  is  not  lawful  for 
any  reasonable  person  to  accept  all  the 
teaching  which  teachers  present  to  him  with- 
out investigating  the  true  from  the  false. 
The  devil  is  never  quiet  or  resting  from  try- 
ing  to  cheat  souls,  that  they  may  perish. 


112  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

Paul  says,  '  Though  we  or  an  angel  from 
heaven  preach  any  other  gospel  unto  you 
than  that  we  have  preached,  let  him  be 
anathema.'  So  St.  John  the  evangelist  said, 
'  Believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try  the  spirits 
whether  they  be  of  God.'  From  these  say- 
ings, every  one  may  understand  that  it  is  by 
searching  the  Scriptures  that  we  are  to  judge 
of  teaching  whether  it  be  true  or  a  lie.  Oh  it 
is  a  great  event  for  every  one  to  investigate 
the  Scriptures ;  not  specially  for  priests  and 
those  in  authority,  because  the  great  apostles 
have  not  directed  these  words  to  the  priests, 
but  to  Christians  in  general.  Christians 
should  flee  to  the  mountain  of  the  holy 
Scriptures,  that  from  her  alone  they  may 
know  the  true  from  the  false,  and  learn  all 
that  is  necessary  for  salvation.  This  is  the 
doctrine  of  the  old  fathers.  Chrysostom  and 
others  have  said  that  no  particular  church  is 
infallible,  neither  the  church  of  Rome,  or  any 
other  particular  church. 

"Let  us  take  the  teaching  of  the  holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  compare  with  it  the  Eoman  teach- 
ers, and  see  if  they  be  according  to  it,  or  con- 
tradictory to  it. 


THE  BIBLE  AND   ROME.  113 

"The  holy  Scriptures  forbid  from  taking 
pictures  and  symbols,  and  from  worshipping 
and  adoring  them.  But  the  church  of  Rome 
have  filled  her  altars  and  her  houses  and  the 
streets  of  her  cities  with  these,  and  com- 
manded the  offering  of  adoration  to  them. 

"  The  holy  Scriptures  teach  us  that  we  are 
to  worship  only  God,  and  him  only  adore; 
and  the  Roman  church  teaches  us  that  we 
ought  to  adore  and  worship  the  angels  and 
saints. 

"  The  holy  Scriptures  teach  that  we  are 
purified  through  the  merits  of  Christ  and  the 
good  work  of  faith ;  and  she  teaches  that  the 
doctrine  of  purifying  standeth  by  doing  good 
and  example,  and  especially  by  her  forgive- 
ness and  the  masses  of  the  clergy. 

"The  holy  Scripture  teaches  by  founding 
only  one  Head  to  the  church,  and  he  is  Jesus 
Christ;  and  she  teaches  by  founding  many 
heads,  springing  one  after  one. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  teaches  us  by  found- 
ing only  one  Mediator  between  God  and  man, 
and  he  is  Jesus  Christ;  and  she  teaches  by 
making  the  angels  and  saints  mediators  and 
advocates. 

Biahallany.  Q 


114  ANTONIO   B1SHALLANY. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  teaches  that  those 
v/ho  sleep  in  God  shall  rise  quick  to  eternal 
life ;  and  she  sends  them  to  her  fiery  purga- 
tory to  suffer  great  punishment. 

"  The  holy  Scriptures  permit  the  ministers 
and  clergy  to  marry,  and  say  that  they  who 
forbid  from  marrying  follow  the  bad  spirit 
and  teachings  of  the  devil. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  teaches  that  they  who 
distinguish  in  eating  err ;  and  she  forbids 
some  especial  dish,  and  after  proclaims  that 
which  she  had  forbidden  before — sometimes 
forbids  from  eating  meat,  except  cheese  and 
milk,  and  sometimes  forbids  from  all  except 
fish  and  oil,  and  she  will  never  stand  fast  in 
one  case. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  commands  to  be  kept 
the  commandments  of  God  the  same  as  they 
are,  and  commands  not  to  add  to  them  or  di- 
minish any  thing  from  them;  and  she  adds 
to  and  diminishes  from  them,  changing  and 
altering  according  to  her  own  inventions. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  teaches  there  is  not 
to  be  found  in  the  New  Testament,  priest  nor 
high -priest,  except  Jesus  Christ;  and  she 
teaches  by  founding  millions  of  them,  and 


THE  BIBLE   AXD  ROME.  115 

she  thieveth  the  true  priesthood  from  Christ 
and  appropriates  it  to  her  popes,  and  Peter- 
yeas  and  clergy. 

"  The  holy  Scripture  teaches  that  no  one 
can  forgive  sin  except  God  alone;  and  she 
lays  down  forgiveness  under  the  authority  of 
her  popes  and  her  clergy,  that  they  loose  men 
from  their  deeds  and  sins  when  they  please. 

"Jesus  Christ  said  to  Peter,  Turn  back  your 
sword  to  its  place;  but  the  pope  has  drawn 
the  sword  and  slain  by  it  millions  from  the 
people  of  Christ  and  his  disciples. 

"  The  Lord  Jesus  paid  tribute  to  Csesar, 
and  commanded  his  disciples  to  pay  it ;  and 
the  pope  takes  the  tribute  from  Caesar,  and 
presses  their  necks  under  his  feet. 

"  The  Lord  Jesus  has  announced  to  the 
poor  salvation,  and  said,  It  is  easier  for  a 
camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle,  than 
for  a  rich  man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven ;  but  the  pope  has  made  the  way  plain 
and  easy  for  the  rich  by  purchasing  a  pass- 
port of  forgiveness  through  the  masses  of  the 
clergy,  and  crowds  and  makes  difficult  the 
way  of  salvation  for  the  poor  thousands  who 
have  nothing  to  pay  for  it  to  the  clergy. 


116  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

"  The  Lord  Jesus  lived  in  poverty  and  af- 
fliction, and  said  lie  had  no  place  to  lay  his 
head,  and  ordered  his  disciples  strictly  to 
take  neither  gold  nor  silver ;  but  the  pope 
standeth  in  the  town  of  the  Caesars  gathering 
the  gold  in  his  treasuries,  and  exercising  au- 
thority in  kings'  palaces. 

"  The  Lord  Jesus  said,  '  Ye  do  err,  not 
knowing  the  Scriptures;'  but  the  pope  imag- 
ines that  knowing  the  Scripture  is  the  great- 
est error,  and  is  endeavoring  by  all  his  deter- 
mination to  destroy  it. 

"  Oh,  from  all  these  expressions  it  may  be 
seen  how  the  teachings  and  doings  of  the 
Boman  church  contradict  the  teachings  and 
doings  of  the  Lord  Jesus  and  his  apostles. 
Hearken  then  to  the  voice  crying  from  heav- 
en by  the  mouth  of  St.  John  the  evangelist : 
'  Come  out  of  her,  my  people,  that  ye  be  not 
partaker  of  her  sins,  and  that  ye  receive  not 
of  her  plagues.'     Rev.  18  : 4. 

"Now  therefore  let  us  hold  fast  the  holy 
Scriptures,  lest  we  doubt  and  perish.  We 
have  no  means  of  knowing  the  true  church,  of 
Christ  except  by  the  holy  Scriptures.  Let  us 
hear   Chrysostom's   explanation   about   this 


THE  BIBLE  AND  ROME.  Ill 

subject.  He  often  says  there  will  never  be 
good  protection  to  the  Christian  who  seeks 
the  true  faith,  except  in  the  holy  Scriptures 
only.  He  said  also,  'As  the  Lord  hath  known 
in  the  last  days  there  shall  be  fear  and  trou- 
ble greatly,  therefore  he  should  commend  to 
all  Christians  who  desire  to  be  satisfied  that 
they  belong  to  the  true  faith,  that  they  trust 
not  in  any  thing  but  the  holy  Scriptures ; 
that  if  they  go  to  any  other  teaching  except 
the  Scriptures,  they  shall  doubt  or  offend 
and  perish,  because  they  will  not  know  which 
is  the  true  church.' 

"  Therefore,  brethren,  the  Protestants  are 
many  denominations,  but  the  doctrine  is  one : 
regarding  the  same  gospel,  obeying  the  voice 
of  the  Lord  God,  saying, '  Come  unto  me,  and 
take  the  water  of  life  freely.'  And  this  is  the 
sign :  first  Bibles  stereotyped  by  them  all 
freely,  without  fear  or  danger  from  priests  or 
rulers ;  then  their  believing  the  same  doc- 
trine, and  there  is  no  one  to  say,  '  I  do  n't 
like  this  Bible  because  it  is  Baptist,  or  this 
or  that ;  and  the  greatest  sign  of  their  believ- 
ing the  same  doctrine  is  their  opening  the 
door  of  mercy,  that  is,  I  mean  to  say  the 


118  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

public  schools,  and  springing  the  water  of 
life  in  them,  and  standing  in  the  highway 
and  on  the  tops  of  the  houses,  according  to 
their  Lord  and  Master's  saying,  'Come  and 
take  the  water  of  life  freely.'  " 

The  subject  of  Roman-catholicism  occu- 
pied many  of  Antonio's  thoughts.  His  heart 
bled  over  the  spiritual  condition  of  those  who 
in  his  own  land  and  in  other  countries  are 
kept  in  ignorance  of  divine  truth  by  the  pa- 
pal power.  To  qualify  himself  to  oppose  that 
system  of  error  and  delusion,  he  carefully 
studied  the  Bible,  and  saw  distinctly  that  the 
doctrines  and  practice  of  the  Romish  church 
were  at  variance  with  the  teachings  of  the 
word  of  God.  The  contrast  is  partly  exhib- 
ited in  the  foregoing  article,  and  the  reader 
will  not  fail  to  observe  the  aptness  of  the 
quotations  and  the  force  with  which  he  ap- 
plies the  Scriptures  as  the  infallible  test  of 
faith  and  practice.  He  requires  a  "  Thus 
saith  the  Lord"  for  a  sanction  of  either  indi- 
vidual opinion  and  conduct,  or  for  that  of  a 
professed  church  of  Christ.  "To  the  law  and 
to  the  testimony;  if  they  speak  not  accord- 


SUCCESSORS  OF-JEROBOAM.  119 

ing  to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no 
light  in  them." 

One  more  of  his  productions  on  this  sub- 
ject will  illustrate  his  facility  in  discovering 
a  moral  likeness  between  the  Romish  church 
and  a  prominent  Scripture  character. 

"  CATHOLICS  THE  SUCCESSORS  OF  JEROBOAM  THE 

SON  OF  NEBAT. 

"And  Jeroboam  said  in  his  heart,  Now 
shall  the  kingdom  return  to  the  house  of  Da- 
vid :  if  this  people  go  up  to  do  sacrifice  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord  at  Jerusalem,  then 
shall  the  heart  of  this  people  turn  again  unto 
their  lord,  even  unto  Rehoboam  king  of  Ju- 
dah,  and  they  shall  kill  me,  and  go  again  to 
Rehoboam  king  of  Judah.  Whereupon  the 
king  took  counsel,  and  made  two  calves  of 
gold,  and  said  unto  them,  It  is  too  much  for 
you  to  go  up  to  Jerusalem  :  behold  thy  gods, 
O  Israel,  which  brought  thee  up  out  of  the 
land  of  Egypt."     1  Kings  12  :  26. 

"Likewise  the  pope  said  in  his  heart,  If 
the  people  shall  have  the  Scriptures  in  their 
hand,  they  shall  know  the  truth  and  destroy 
me.      Whereupon  he  took  counsel  with  his 


120  ANTONIO 'BISHALLANY. 

ungodly  hosts  to  take  the  Scriptures  from 
the  hands  of  the  people,  and  make  for  them 
images  and  figures,  and  put  them  in  a  nice 
building  like  the  theatre,  with  nice  music  to 
amuse  the  people,  and  give  it  the  name, 
Christ's  church,  and  say  to  the  people,  It  is 
too  much  for  you  to  trouble  yourselves  in 
reading  the  Scriptures ;  give  them  up,  and 
we  will  teach  you  what  the  Scripture  says, 
for  you  cannot  understand  it — these  images 
and  figures  be  your  Saviour. 

"  And  he  built  him  convents  on  the  highest 
hills  and  mountains,  in  every  place  where  his 
power  spread,  and  filled  them  with  graven 
images  and  superstition,  and  made  the  peo- 
ple sin  against  God. 

"As  the  Israelites  forsook  the  Lord  God 
who  brought  them  from  under  bondage  out 
of  Egypt,  and  feared  other  gods,  so  the  Ro- 
man-catholics forsook  Christ  who  bought 
them  with  his  blood,  and  feared  other  gods 
and  the  work  of  man's  hand,  while  God  said, 
Ye  shall  not  do  like  them. 

"  As  the  king  Hezekiah  broke  in  pieces  the 
brazen  serpent  that  Moses  had  made,  so  the 
Almighty  God  has  lifted  up  the  Protestant 


THE  BIBLE  ALL-POWERFUL.  121 

with  spiritual  power,  like  the  king  Hezekiah 
and  Josiah,  to  break  down  the  images  from 
the  convents  which  are  on  the  high  places. 

"  As  the  king  Josiah  rent  his  clothes  when 
he  heard  the  words  of  the  book,  and  rose 
with  mighty  indignation  against  the  leader 
of  his  fathers,  so  it  will  be  when  Roman-cath- 
olics shall  hear  the  words  of  Scripture ;  they 
will  rise  mightily  against  the  mighty  pope." 

Antonio  was  deeply  sensible  of  the  injury 
inflicted  upon  the  souls  of  men  by  those  who 
deprived  them  of  the  Bible.  He  knew  the 
benefit  he  derived  from  the  perusal  of  its 
sacred  pages  himself,  and  believed  that  if  it 
were  universally  read  it  would  dispel  the 
gloom  of  error  and  superstition  from  the  hu- 
man mind.  He  was  anxious  therefore  to  de- 
stroy the  power  that  held  millions  of  immor- 
tal beings  in  ignorance  of  divine  truth,  that 
the  light  of  heaven  might  shine  in  upon  their 
souls  and  bring  to  them  salvation.  It  was 
not  any  hostility  against  those  who  belonged 
to  the  papal  church,  or  against  the  pope  or 
the  priests,  that  influenced  him.  He  loved 
and  pitied  those  who  were  deluded  them- 


122  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

selves  and  who  deluded  others,  but  he  was 
hostile  to  the  system  which  they  sustained, 
and  which  for  long  ages  had  kept  mankind 
in  spiritual  thraldom.  The  kindness  and  be- 
nevolence of  his  Christian  heart  prompted 
him  to  say  and  do  whatever  he  could  to 
weaken  and,  if  possible,  to  subvert  a  system 
which  maintained  itself  by  keeping  the  peo- 
ple in  ignorance,  which  imposed  upon  them 
unscriptural  doctrines  and  ordinances,  taught 
them  human  traditions  instead  of  the  divine 
word,  and  led  them  to  believe  as  the  church 
believed,  without  the  privilege  of  exercising 
their  own  reason,  judgment,  or  conscience. 

To  change  the  views  of  his  Catholic  friends 
at  home,  and  of  papists  throughout  the  world, 
he  was  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  only  necessa- 
ry to  supply  them  with  the  holy  Scripture,  and 
give  them  full  liberty  to  read  it.  And  he  was 
correct  in  his  opinion.  It  is  the  truth,  under 
the  blessing  of  the  Spirit,  that  illuminates  the 
understanding,  purifies  the  heart,  and  eman- 
cipates the  soul  from  the  bondage  of  vain 
forms  and  ceremonial  observances. 

It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that  men 
are  to  be  detached  from  particular  views  and 


HOW  TO  CONVINCE.  123 

religious  customs  by  the  language  of  denun- 
ciation. Enter  into  controversy  with  Roman- 
ists, and  you  put  them  on  the  defence  of  their 
principles,  awaken  their  prejudices,  and  close 
their  minds  against  conviction.  The  humble 
colporteur  who  places  a  Testament  or  some 
evangelical  volume  in  the  hands  of  Catholics, 
and  speaks  a  kindly  word  to  them  on  the  love 
of  Christ,  adopts  a  more  effectual  method  of 
correcting  their  errors  and  bringing  them  to 
the  faith  of  the  gospel,  than  the  learned  po- 
lemic who  with  strong  weapons  makes  a  direct 
assault  upon  their  peculiar  sentiments.  The 
simple  truth,  spoken  in  love,  is  the  instrument 
by  which  the  strong-holds  of  error  are  to  be 
broken  down.  Only  place  a  copy  of  the  Scrip- 
tures in  the  hands  of  a  Romanist,  and  let  him 
read  it  without  being  trammelled  by  the  fear 
of  priestly  power,  and  with  the  conviction  that 
he  is  there  to  learn  what  God  requires  both 
as  to  faith  and  practice,  and  to  judge  for 
himself  of  the  will  of  God  as  revealed  in  his 
word;  and  so  different  are  the  teachings  of 
that  word  from  the  things  he  has  been  taught 
to  believe  and  do,  that  under  the  teaching  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  he  will  not  be  long  in  renounc- 


124  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

ing  his  existing  notions  received  from  men, 
for  the  pure  doctrines  of  truth  as  received 
from  God.  The  Bible  is  not  so  profound, 
mysterious,  or  obscure  as  to  be  above  the 
comprehension  of  ordinary  minds.  Nor  is 
danger  to  be  apprehended  from  the  people 
reading  it  without  the  explanation  of  the 
clergy.  The  great  cardinal  doctrines  of  re- 
ligion as  there  revealed  are  very  simple,  and 
all  that  is  necessary  to  salvation  is  within 
the  reach  of  the  humblest  intellect.  The 
poor  cottager,  the  illiterate  peasant,  the  untu- 
tored Arab,  and  the  little  child  may  know  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  and  become  wise  unto 
eternal  life. 

Antonio  himself  is  an  example.  This 
humble  and  uncultivated  Syrian  opened  this 
blessed  book,  and  without  any  commentary, 
without  any  teacher  to  aid  him  in  understand- 
ing the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  discovered  the  evi- 
dences of  the  Scriptures  being  the  word  of 
God,  and  so  learned  the  great  truths  of  Chris- 
tianity as  to  become  not  only  a  theoretical, 
but  an  experimental  believer.  The  Spirit  of 
God  no  doubt  shone  upon  his  mind  and  led 
him  into  all  truth.     And  wherever  the  word 


POWER  OF  GOD'S  WORD.  125 

is  read  with  a  desire  to  understand  and  be 
benefited  by  it,  we  have  reason  to  hope  the 
Holy  Spirit  will  impart  his  enlightening  influ- 
ence, and  that  saving  effects  will  result.  It 
is  God's  own  promise,  "  As  the  rain  cometh 
down,  and  the  snow  from  heaven,  and  return- 
eth  not  thither,  but  watereth  the  earth,  and 
maketh  it  bring  forth  and  bud,  that  it  may 
give  seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread  to  the  eat- 
er ;  so  shall  my  word  be  that  goeth  forth  out 
of  my  mouth:  it  shall  not  return  unto  me 
void,  but  it  shall  accomplish  that  which  I 
please,  and  it  shall  prosper  in  the  thing  where- 
to I  sent  it." 

A  similar  and  remarkable  illustration  of 
this  converting  power  of  the  word  of  God 
was  the  case  of  Luther.  When  shut  up  in 
the  convent  of  Erfurth,  he  found  a  copy  of 
the  Bible  fastened  by  a  chain  to  a  pillar.  He 
read  it,  and  learned  that  "  the  just  shall  live 
by  faith ;"  and  the  reception  of  this  truth 
opened  his  mind  to  the  errors  of  a  system 
which  taught  that  human  merit  could  pur- 
chase salvation. 

The  intelligent  and  pious  Madam  Guyon, 
by  reading  a  Bible  she  met  with  in  one  of  the 


126  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

nunneries  of  France,  was  led  to  behold  the 
grace  of  God  as  justifying  the  sinner  through 
faith;  and  believing  in  Jesus,  she  renounced 
the  austerities  and  forms  of  the  Bornish 
church,  and  obtained  a  peace  and  joy  in  the 
love  of  her  Saviour,  which  all  the  gloom  and 
terrors  of  the  Bastile  could  not  destroy. 

"  Here  springs  of  consolation  rise, 
To  cheer  the  fainting  mind ; 
And  thirsty  souls  receive  supplies, 
And  sweet  refreshment  find. 

Oh  may  these  heavenly  pages  be 

My  ever  dear  delight ; 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see, 

And  still  increasing  light." 

The  following  letter  from  Richfield  to  Mrs. 
H 1,  indicates  his  simple  piety  and  grati- 
tude : 

"  Honored  Madam — You  may  think  that  I 
have  used  the  old  proverb,  '  Out  of  sight,  out 
of  mind ;'  but  I  am  not  so.  Give  me  leave  to 
approach  you  with  the  most  thankful  acknow- 
ledgments of  a  grateful  heart,  for  the  favor 
and  benefit  your  goodness  has  conferred  upon 
me.     It  shall  be  the  business  of  my  whole 


A  GRATEFUL  LETTER.  12 


N 


life  to  the  utmost  of  my  power  to  deserve  it, 
and  my  whole  heart  which  yon  have  made 
happy  by  your  bounty.  In  my  prayers  daily 
to  God  the  Father,  I  beg  him  to  bless  you 
with  the  continuance  of  your  valuable  health, 
a  long  life,  and  all  worldly  honor,  as  you 
honored  me  among  the  people,  and  espec- 
ially for  the  remembrance  you  have  conveyed 
to  me  through  the  letter  of  my  dear  brother 

in  Christ,  Mr.  H r. 

"  My  heart  has  never  been  silent  in  its 
acknowledgments  for  so  much  of  your  kind- 
ness ;  and  how  can  I  express  my  gratitude  ? 
The  Mohammedan  believers'  prophet  is  called 
Eedwan,  and  they  believe  him  to  be  the  door- 
keeper of  paradise;  for  there  were  two  Mo- 
hammedans travelling  about,  and  when  they 
lodged  themselves  in  a  house,  lo,  the  owners 
of  the  house  treated  them  with  the  utmost 
degree  of  kindness.  Then  they  addressed 
each  other,  saying,  '  These  persons  are  not  of 
this  land,  but  it  is  probable  that  Eedwan  has 
forgotten  to  shut  the  door  of  paradise,  and 
they  have  come  out  without  his  knowledge ; 
if  they  were  of  this  land  we  should  not 
have  been  treated  so  well.'     And  I  believe 


128  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

• 

tliat  the  earthly  paradise  is  your  land,  and 
Bedwan  has  left  the  door  open  for  me  to  en- 
ter. Had  not  your  land  been  the  earthly 
paradise,  I  should  not  have  found  her  dwell- 
ers to  be  the  kindest  people  upon  the  globe, 
and  also  the  most  honorable  and  sympathetic 
in  heart.  Had  not  your  country  been  the 
foundation  of  Christ's  kingdom,  I  should  not 
have  been  overwhelmed  with  your  utmost 
kindness.  Permit  me,  madam,  to  ask  you  a 
question :  Do  I  say  too  much  on  this  subject? 
But  if  I  express  to  you  the  sympathy  of  Mrs. 

H towards  me,  what  will  you  say  then  ? 

Madam,  I  may  be  wrong  if  I  say  the  pen  will 
not  express  the  loudness  of  that  family.  The 
Arabians,  when  they  want  to  express  strong 
feeling,  say,  '  If  the  earth  was  ink  and  the 
heaven  paper,  they  would  not  contain  one 
quarter  of  that  which  I  have  to  express.' 
"  Being  unwell,  I  acquainted  her  with  my 

case.     She  presently  told  Mr.  H ,  and  he 

left  his  business  and  came  to  me.  This  is 
the  friend  I  must  greatly  respect.  You  are 
also,  dearest  madam,  sowing  the  seed  in  the  ' 

Lord's  vineyard,  and  the  pious  Mr.  H 1  is 

bringing  up  workmen  to  the  harvest.     It  is 


A  CHRISTIAN  FRIEND.  129 

to  you  and  to  him,  of  all  under  heaven,  I 
mostly  wish  to  be  remembered." 

Antonio  had  the  warm  heart  of  a  true 
Christian,  and  no  favor  he  received  was  un- 
dervalued, or  failed  to  awaken  emotions  of 
gratitude.  •  From  the  time  he  arrived  in  New 
York,  he  was  the  object  of  sympathy  and 
benevolence.  Many  friends  performed  acts 
of  kindness,  and  especially  Mr.  H r. 

This  gentleman  had  become  interested  in 
Antonio  when  travelling  in  Syria,  and  his 
attachment  to  him  was  strengthened  by  his 
visit  to  America.  He  loved  him  as  a  Chris- 
tian brother,  and  extended  to  him  every  act 
of  courtesy  and  hospitality.  In  his  father's 
family  Antonio  found  a  home,  and  enjoyed 
all  the  pleasures  of  intelligent  and  Christian 

intercourse.     Mr.  H ministered  to  him 

in  his  sickness,  secured  for  him  the  facilities 
of  education,  took  him  as  a  companion  to  the 
Springs  for  the  benefit  of  his  health,  com- 
mended him  to  the  notice  of  friends,  and  in 
every  way  contributed  to  his  improvement 
and  happiness ;  and  his  favors  were  received 
with  a  gratitude  and  affection  that  words 
could  not  express.     Antonio  felt  that  "  Red- 

Bishallany.  9 


130  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

wan  "  had  left  open  the  door  of  the  earthly- 
paradise,  and  that  he  had  been  permitted  to 
come  in  and  experience  the  benefits  confer- 
red by  generons  and  sympathizing  hearts. 
His  humility  no  doubt  added  to  his  sense  of 
obligation;  for  he  was  conscious  of  his  own 
humble  origin  and  limited  circumstances; 
and  finding  himself,  a  poor  Arabian  as  he 
called  himself,  to  be  the  object  of  so  much 
interest,  care,  and  kind  attention,  he  was 
tenderly  affected,  and  overwhelmed  with 
thankfulness  too  great  for  language  to  utter. 
It  was  thought,  by  one  who  observed  him 
with  anxious  interest,  that  much  talking  and 
excitement,  and  the  undue  application  brought 
about  by  the  desire  and  conviction  that  he 
ought  to  be  able  clearly  to  show  that  his 
religious  opinions  were  formed  upon  and 
strictly  in  accordance  with  Scripture,  were 
unfavorable  to  his  health.  He  was  all  anxi- 
ety to  advance  in  his  studies,  devoted  a  great 
deal  of  time  to  his  books,  and  laboriouslv 
exerted  himself  to  acquire  that  knowledge 
which  would  fit  him  for  usefulness.  His  nat- 
ural buoyancy  of  spirit  and  determination  of 
purpose  battled  against  untoward   circum- 


THE  WINTER.  131 

stances ;  he  was  not  discouraged  by  ordinary- 
dangers,  but  went  forward  with  his  studies 
and  his  discussions  of  religious  truth  with 
unabating  interest.     "So  impressed  was  he," 

says  Mr.  H ,  "  with  the  idea  that  with 

his  peculiar  experience  he  could  be  an  in- 
strument of  great  good  as  a  missionary,  that 
he  could  hardly  think  it  possible  that  Provi- 
dence would  remove  him  until  his  mission 
had  been  fulfilled." 

The  winter  passed  along,  the  time  being 
filled  up  with  giving  Arabic  lessons,  theolog- 
ical discussions,  study,  and  visiting  friends. 
He  kept  up  his  cheerfulness  and  interest  in 
the  promotion  of  his  Master's  kingdom.  Dur- 
ing this  time  he  took  private  lessons  in  Eng- 
lish. He  was  interested  also  in  a  school  en- 
terprise for  educating  neglected  Italian  chil- 
dren. 

We  here  insert  a  copy  of  a  pleasant  letter, 
received  by  Antonio  from  the  Kev.  Mr.  Hunt, 
the  Principal  of  the  Amenia  Seminary. 

"Amenia,  Feb.  12,  1856. 

"  My  Friend  Antonio — I  have  been  design- 
ing to  write  to  you  for  weeks  past,  but  the 


132  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

various  duties  of  my  office  have  prevented 
me.  You  must  not  think,  however,  that  we 
have  forgotten  you.  Far  from  that.  We 
often  think  and  speak  of  Bishallany,  and  if 
you  should  return  to  the  school  next  term, 
you  may  be  certain  that  all  of  your  friends 
will  be  glad  to  see  you.  We  have  many 
students  this  winter.  All  the  rooms  are  full, 
but  out  of  the  whole  company  I  have  not 
found  one  who  could  declaim  in  Arabic.  I 
hope  you  may  return  next  term,  for  I  think 
you  would  find  Amenia  very  pleasant  in  the 
summer.  I  shall  leave  the  school  at  the  end 
of  this  term,  but  Mr.  Foss  will  take  my  place, 
and  he  will  take  very  good  care  of  you.  How 
do  you  stand  this  very  cold  winter  ?  Do  you 
have  such  snows  on  mount  Lebanon?  I 
hope  your  health  has  not  suffered  from  the 
severe  frosts.  Perhaps  you  are  much  better 
than  if  the  winter  had  been  more  open.  I 
will  trust  so  at  least. 

"By  and  by,  Antonio,  we  shall  reach  a 
country  better  by  far  than  either  Lebanon  or 
Amenia.  No  bitter  cold  or  burning  heats 
there.  I  hope  you  are  happy  every  day  in 
prospect  of  that  heavenly  country,  and  hap- 


CORRESPONDENCE.  133 

py  too  in  the  love  of  that  dear  Saviour,  for 
whose  sake  you  have  left  mother  and  native 
land.  We  do  not  forget  to  pray  for  you 
when  we  meet  in  our  prayer-rooms,  and  hope 
that  you  do  not  forget  us. 

"  I  am  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  and  wish 
you  would  write  me  a  letter,  and  tell  all 
about  your  health  and  studies  and  pros- 
pects. 

"  Remember  I  am  used  to  your  English, 

and  can  understand  it  pretty  well.     I  shall 

hope  to  hear  from  you  before  many  days. 

"I  am  your  friend, 

"  ANDREW  J.  HUNT." 

REPLY. 

"  New  York,  Feb.  14,  1862. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Hunt  : 

"  Dear  Sir — I  received  your  kind  letter, 
and  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  all 
well;  but  to  me  it  is  otherwise  most  griev- 
ous that  you  are  going  to  leave  the  place, 
since  I  have  been  permitted  to  enjoy  the 
honor  and  the  favor  of  your  great  kindness. 
Next  term  I  hoped  to  pass  the  summer  with 
you,  and  all  the  teachers,  and  not  lose  the 


134  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

company  of  any  one  of  you.  But  the  hon- 
ored Mr.  Foss,  by  your  recommendation,  he 
will  take  care  of  me ;  and  in  another  way  I 
am  very  certain  that  he  is  the  shepherd  of 
his  Master,  like  unto  you,  and  I  shall  be  one 
sheep  of  his  Master's  flock,  under  his  care; 
and  his  Master  requires  him  to  feed  his  flock 
in  the  good  pasture,  and  upon  the  high  moun- 
tains of  Israel,  in  preparation  for  the  hill  of 
blessing,  where  we  shall  meet  together  once 
for  ever  with  our  common  Creator;  where 
showers  shall  fall  in  their  season;  where  is 
no  fear,  no  sickness,  no  shame,  but  felicity; 
and  where  we  can  lie  down  in  the  safe  fold. 
Therefore  I  know  he  is  not  one  of  the 
antichrist  shepherds,  that  he  may  thrust  with 
side  and  with  shoulder,  and  push  me  with 
horn.  No ;  God  forbid,  for  I  was  once  under 
them.  But  I  deeply  regret  that  I  shall  lose 
your  presence. 

"As  to  your  remembering  me  kindly  be- 
fore the  brethren  it  is  natural,  for  it  is  said 
by  Him,  'The  good  tree  'cannot  bring  forth 
bad  fruit,  neither  the  bad  tree  bring  forth 
good  fruit.'  And,  sir,  I  believe  it  is  not  in  you 
to  forget  me ;  for  if  I  have  forgot  you,  let  my 


CORRESPONDENCE.  135 

right  hand  forget  me;  and  if  I  did  not  re- 
member and  do  not  remember  you  above  my 
chiefest  conversation  before  my  friends,  and 
wherever  I  go,  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the 
roof  of  my  mouth. 

"And  to  let  you  know  the  state  of  my 
health  at  the  present  time.  Now  since  I 
came  from  Amenia  I  had  no  more  night- 
sweats  nor  headaches,  but  I  had  a  very  vio- 
lent cough  for  three  weeks,  which  had  put 
three  quarters  of  my  life  in  the  grave;  but 
the  benevolent  Dr.  Lindsly  having  examined 
me  well,  he  soon  gave  the  cod-liver  oil  mixed 
with  various  substances,  and  that  was  the 
means  of  restoring  the  rest  of  the  three  quar- 
ters of  me  from  the  grave.  Since  that  time  I 
am  getting  on  better. 

"  Sir,  if  you  know  that  I  shall  not  see  you 
in  Amenia  when  I  shall  go  there,  I  trust  ear- 
nestly you  will  not  let  the  last  time  I  met  you 
in  the  street  of  New  York  be  the  last  time  I 
shall  see  you,  but  I  trust  you  will  let  me  see 
you  once  more  in  this  world,  for  I  have  that 
warm  desire.  When  I  remember  the  tender- 
ness of  your  action  and  kindness  I  find  no 
words  to  express  your  bounty,  for  I  was  a 


136  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

stranger,  sick,  and  you  visited  me,  and  the  re- 
ward of  this  is  great.  This  He  will  say,  Come 
ye  to  my  right  hand. 

"As  to  informing  you  concerning  my  prog- 
ress, it  is  swifter  than  the  creeping  reptiles, 
sir;  and  your  hope  that  I  may  enjoy  in  the 
dear  Saviour — alas  to  me  if  I  do  not,  for  I 
have  no  comforter,  no  companion  in  my 
room  except  Him.  I  hope,  sir,  you  will  never 
forgot  me  in  your  prayers  to  Him,  that  he 
would  bind  my  feet  upon  that  immovable 
rock  Christ. 

"  I  trust  earnestly  that  you  will  jxresent  my 
deepest  regard  to  Mr.  Foss,  and  my  warmest 
respect  to  Mr.  Taylor,  and  to  every  friend 
who  shall  ask  concerning  me  abundant  com- 
pliment. And  if  you  should  come  to  New 
York,  you  may  find  my  dwelling-place  Sixth- 
avenue,  No.  260 ;  and  if  you  write  to  me,  di- 
rect it  under  Mr.  H 's  care. 

"  Sir,  I  am  your  most  affectionate  friend, 

"AO.  BISHALLANY." 


CORRESPONDENCE.  137 


CHAPTEE  V. 

In  April,  1856,  Antonio  returned  to  Amenia, 
and  remained  nntil  June.  The  testimony  of 
his  teachers  and  fellow-pupils  was  that  his 
application  and  progress  in  his  state  of  health 
were  truly  remarkable.  As  everywhere  and 
always  he  was  universally  esteemed,  and 
made  many  warm  friends. 

Soon  after  resuming  his  studies  he  ad- 
dressed the  following  letter  to  Mr.  H . 

"From  Amenia  to  New  York.  April  19,  185G. 

"  To  Me.  J.  C.  H : 

"  Dear  Sir — I  have  neglected  my  duty  in 
not  writing  to  you  sooner ;  but,  however,  you 
know  the  reasons  of  that.  The  first  is  the 
spelling,  the  second  is  the  pain  of  bowing; 
therefore  I  am  endeavoring  to  write  you  a 
few  words  to  set  your  mind  in  rest  con- 
cerning me.  Know  that  I  am  reached  to 
Amenia  quite  safe,  and  Mr.  Foss  has  treated 
me  with  respect,  and  has  given  me  a  room 
down  stairs  with  wood-stove,  and  in  fact  am 
here  well  situated ;  and  to  inform  you  about 


138  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

my  health  is  not  yet  to  say  any  thing,  for 
since  I  came  here  we  have  scarcely  seen  the 
sun  out.  I  am  undertaking  the  study  of 
three  grammars — English,  Greek,  and  Latin. 
I  find  them  to  be  very  hard ;  my  running  in 
them  no  swifter  than  the  creeping  reptile. 

"  Dear  sir,  however,  I  charge  to  present 
my  deepest  regard  to  the  benevolent  mother, 
and  my  perfect  compliments  to  the  bountiful 
father,  and  my  respect  to  Miss  Sarah  and 
Laura,  and  to  all  the  brethren.  I  shall  write 
to  the  mother  after  a  while  and  acquaint  her 
with  all  that  shall  happen,  for  happy  is  the 
man  who  has  a  mother  like  me  in  the  strange 
land.  Dear  sir,  I  beg  you  to  present  my  rev- 
erence to  Dr.  C ,  if  you  shall  see  him  be- 
fore I  shall  write  to  him ;  and  I  beg  you  also 
to  present  my  warmest  respect  to  Mr.,  Mrs., 

and  Miss  H 1,  and  their  children.    It  was 

my  duty  to  have  written  for  every  one  a  let- 
ter; but  I  am  not  able  now,  I  hope  to  do  it 
soon. 

"I  am  your  loving  brother,  and  most  du- 
tiful friend, 

"AO.  BISHALLANY." 


CORRESPONDENCE.  139 


REPLY. 


"  New  York,  April  27,  1856. 

"  My  dear  Antonio — Your  letter  reached 
me  safely.  I  hope  the  labor  it  cost  you  to 
write  was  nothing  like  so  great  as  my  joy  at 
receiving  it.  But  I  know  it  was  difficult  for 
you  to  write  it,  and  therefore  it  is  all  the 
more  valuable  to  me.  You  know  that  there 
are  four  things  which  make  any  thing  costly 
and  desirable :  namely,  its  usefulness,  rarity, 
beauty,  and  workmanship. 

"  Your  letter  was  useful,  as  it  relieved  my 
anxiety  concerning  you,  and  informed  me 
about  your  studies  and  situation ;  and  further, 
because  it  taught  me  how  perseverance  and 
application  will  enable  me  to  accomplish,  any 
thing  that  is  right  and  proper,  as  it  has  ena- 
bled you  to  write  a  letter  in  English  after  a 
few  months'  residence  in  our  land. 

"  And  it  was  rare.  I  believe  I  have  only 
one  other  letter  from  you;  and  be  assured 
that,  should  my  life  be  spared,  I  shall  often 
turn  to  them,  and  read  them  with  pleasure 
and  profit. 

"  And  to  my  eyes  it  was  beautiful ;  not  that 


140  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

the  grammar  or  spelling  or  writing  was  per- 
fect. I  view  it  only  as  a  link  in  a  long  chain 
of  events ;  and  when  I  look  at  this  link,  I  see 
the  valuable  events  of  jour  life,  or  operations 
of  God's  providence  from  the  time  that  it  in- 
fluenced you  to  purchase  a  Bible  in  order  to 
gratify  your  taste  for  reading,  until  under  the 
influence  of  the  same  providence  you  are  now 
prompted  and  enabled  to  address  me  this 
letter,  which,  bringing  anew  to  my  mind  the 
power  and  wisdom  and  love  of  our  Father, 
makes  me  penitent  over  sins  that  are  past, 
and  directs  me  to  the  source  whence  by  faith 
we  can  derive  whatever  we  need,  and  just  as 
and  when  we  need  it. 

"  It  is  more  than  beautiful.  The  righteous 
is  never  forsaken,  and  his  seed  is  never  per- 
mitted to  beg  bread.  When  our  friends  for- 
sake us,  the  Lord  taketh  us  up.  His  ways 
are  past  finding  out,  and  yet  there  is  the  as- 
surance that  all  things  work  together  for 
good  to  those  who  do  his  will.  I  do  not  like 
to  indulge  in  disconnected  pious  ejaculations, 
for  my  experience  is  that  they  are  very  often 
connected  with  deceitful  hearts,  and  I  always 
am  afraid  of  myself  when  I  am  inclined  to 


CORRESPONDENCE.  141 

use  them;  but  jour  experience  so  distinctly 
reflects  God's  presence  and  mercy,  that  every 
time  I  think  of  you  I  am  led  to  look  to  Him, 
and  in  this  instance  to  write  of  Him. 

"  One  point  of  comparison  remains.  I  have 
said  the  value  of  an  article  depends  on  its 
workmanship;  and  when  I  remember  that 
there  is  but  one  Antonio  to  write  to  me,  and 
that  it  costs  much  time  and  labor  for  every 
sentence  of  his  letters,  and  that  he  has  re- 
ceived largely  of  God's  Spirit,  I  feel  that  there 
is  a  skilful  and  valuable  workman  whose 
work  I  can  look  at  often — that  it  is  such  that 
'maketh  not  ashamed.' 

"I  am  pained  to  hear  that  your  breast 
hurts  you  when  you  bow  down  to  write.  It 
is  better  then  not  to  write,  or  only  a  few  lines 
at  once.  We  all  are  anxious  to  hear  from 
you,  but  I  am  sure  would  rather  wait  a  month 
than  receive  letters  which  we  know  it  is  pain- 
ful for  you  to  write. 

"  I  indulge  a  very  strong  hope  that  when 
warm  weather  comes  you  will  grow  stronger 
and  better,  and  that  as  we  say  of  plants, 
'April  showers  bring  May  flowers,'  so  in  your 
case  the  pleasant  sunshine  of  next  month  will 


142  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

bring  out  the  buds  and  flowers  of  returning 
health. 

"  Are  you  not  attempting  to  study  too 
much  at  once?  You  will  remember  that  I 
was  very  much  afraid  you  would,  and  tried 
to  convince  you  it  was  not  best  for  you  to  do 
so.  I  am  quite  certain  you  ought  to  be  able 
to  read  Latin  tolerably  well  before  you  at- 
tempt Greek,  otherwise  your  mind  will  get 
confused,  and  you  will  not  get  along  I  think 
as  fast,  and  you  will  worry  and  study  your- 
self into  the  grave.  I  of  course  may  be  mis- 
taken, but  I  trust  you  will  seriously  consider 
what  I  say.  Get  fairly  started  in  English 
first,  for  that  is  the  most  important  of  all; 
then  begin  Latin;  and  when  you  begin  to 
read  Latin,  commence  Greek  grammar.  Am 
I  not  right  ?  .  .  .  . 

"  I  shall  be  very  happy  indeed  to  hear  from 
you,  but  be  careful  of  your  health. 
"  Truly  your  friend, 

<:J.  0.  H." 

Antonio  was  greatly  favored  by  having  the 

friendship  and  kind  feeling  of  Mr.  H . 

He  was  a  friend  indeed,  who  did  not  simply 
say,  Be  ye  warmed,  and  be  ye  clothed,  but 


CORRESPONDENCE.  143 

who  actually  relieved  the  wants  and  minis- 
tered to  the  comfort  of  his  humble  and  afflict- 
ed  Christian  brother.  The  heart  that  loves 
Christ  will  love  his  disciples.  The  exhibition 
of  true  sympathy  and  affection  towards  the 
friends  of  Jesus,  is  a  bright  evidence  of  hav- 
ing passed  from  death  unto  life.  The  sacred 
Scriptures  strongly  inculcate  the  cultivation 
of  this  beautiful  virtue,  saying,  "  Be  ye  kindly 
affectioned  one  to  another ;  in  honor  prefer- 
ring one  another."  It  is  the  new  command- 
ment of  Christ  that  we  should  love  one  an- 
other ;  and  the  possession  of  this  grace  of  the 
divine  Spirit  is  an  essential  trait  in  Christian 
character.  "  If  a  man  do  not  love  his  broth- 
er whom  he  hath  seen,  how  can  he  love  God 
whom  he  hath  not  seen  ?"  And  it  is  not  sim- 
ply the  emotion  of  love  in  the  heart  that  God 
requires,  or  that  will  satisfy  the  true  Chris- 
tian. We  are  to  do  good,  and  communicate; 
to  feed  the  hungry,  and  clothe  the  naked; 
aiding  those  who  cannot  recompense  us,  and 
finding  our  reward  in  the  conscious  pleasure 
of  well  doing,  and  the  hope  of  the  divine  ap- 
probation. Such  was  the  spirit  that  dwelt  in 
a  household  where  Antonio  was  a  welcome 


144  AXTOXIO  BISHALLANY. 

and  frequent  guest,  and  where  eacli  member 
seemed  to  have  gained  his  grateful  affection. 

Mrs.  H ,  whom  he  calls  by  the  endearing 

title  of  mother,  had  manifested  towards  him  a 
mother's  care,  and  secured  in  return  a  filial 
regard. 

His  tender  attachment  is  evinced  in  a  let- 
ter from  Amenia,  dated  May  3,  1856. 

"  Dearest  Mother  of  the  Stranger,  Mrs. 

H My  duty  teaches  me  acquaint  you 

with  that  happened  since  I  have  left  New 
York.  To  the  misfortunes  of  unfavorable 
seasons  it  has  pleased  God  to  add  on  me 
great  weakness,  that  I  hardly  can  walk  a 
mile.  When  I  consider  my  affliction  in  this 
land,  I  find  no  comfort  except  in  repeating 
the  history  of  your  kindness;  and  when  I 
charge  my  tongue  to  cease  from  declaration, 
he  do  answer  me,  May  the  mountains  cease 
and  depart,  and  hills  be  removed,  but  the 
kindness  of  this  benevolent  family  shall  never 
depart  from  my  mouth.  Next  to  seeing  you 
is  the  pleasure  of  seeing  your  handwriting; 
and  to  hearing  you  is  the  pleasure  of  hearing 
from  you.     And  if  you  write  to  me  I  will 


CORRESPONDENCE.  145 

thank  yon  therefore  as  long  as  I  live;  and 
when  I  die  my  bones  will  thank  yon  in  their 
grave,  for  my  pain  has  become  intense,  and 
my  remedy  is  scarce  procurable. 

"  I  am  your  most  obedient  and  most  affec- 
tionate friend, 

•'  AO.  BISHALLANY." 

ANSWER. 

"  Monday  Morning. 
"  Dear  Antonio — I  received  your  very  kind 
and  welcome  letter  some  time  ago.  It  gave 
me  great  pleasure  to  hear  from  you,  but  I  re- 
gret very  much  to  find  you  so  weak,  and  not 
improving  in  health.  I  was  in  hopes  the 
pure,  bracing  country  ah*,  with  a  little  exer- 
cise and  change  of  diet,  would  be  of  service 
to  you ;  but  do  not  be  discouraged ;  pleasant, 
warm  weather  is  coming,  and  the  medicine 

which  J ordered  prepared  for  you  may 

be  the  means  of  restoring  you  to  health.  If 
there  is  any  thing  I  can  do  for  you,  Antonio, 
which  will  promote  your  comfort  and  happi- 
ness, let  me  know;  any  delicacy  you  would 
like  which  you  cannot  procure  where  you  are, 
let  me  know,  and  I  will  send  it  to  you.  The 
children  often  speak  of  you.     Antonio,  I  am 

Bisliallany.  \Q 


146  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

afraid  writing  fatigues  you.  Do  not  apply 
yourself  too  closely  to  books  or  study;  but 
when  the  weather  is  warm  and  pleasant,  ex- 
ercise in  the  open  air;  avoid  fatigue,  and 
make  yourself  as  comfortable  as  possible. 
The  family  all  unite  in  much  love  to  you ;  and 
accept  the  continued  regard  and  affection  of 
your  sincere  friend, 

"  S.  A.  H." 
'  May  19,  1855." 

TO  MRS.   H T. 

"  Amenia,  May  27,  185 G. 

"Honored  Madam — Because  you  are  en- 
deavoring to  bring  every  nation  to  the  path 
of  Christ,  believe  me,  madam,  that  Christ  is 
taking  you  to  his  own  self  as  a  soldier,  for  he 
is  King  of  kings^  and  King  of  the  nations. 
The  whole  of  them  have  rebelled  against 
him ;  therefore  wisdom  is  to  take  the  arms  of 
Christ,  by  which  you  are  subduing  his  enemies 
under  his  footstool.  I  should  like  very  much 
to  live  until  I  shall  be  able  to  do  something 
for  Christ;  and  after  I  shall  have  done  it,  let 
his  will  be  done;  for  it  is  duty  to  every 
Christian  that  he  should  do  or  write  some- 
thing for  Christ  before  he  die :  therefore  if  I 


APPROACH  OF  SPRING.  141 

should  die  before  I  have  done  any  thing  for 
Christ,  I  charge  you  that  you  may  write  upon 
ray  gravestone  these  words :  '  This  poor  young 
man  has  died  with  grief  because  he  had  no 
opportunity  to  write  something  concerning 
Christ  and  Christianity.'  I  am  enjoying  daily 
the  presence  of  my  dear  Saviour,  and  I  am 
really  happy.  Our  place  begins  to  look  some- 
thing like  summer :  the  trees  begin  to  give  us 
their  delightful  shade;  the  grass  is  shooting 
forth  as  if  glad  to  see  the  summer  again,  after 
its  long  confinement  beneath  winter's  snowy 
mantle.  I  hope  you  will  excuse  the  badness 
of  my  explanation  and  uncorrected  grammar. 
"  I  am  truly  your  most  affectionate  friend, 

"  AO.  BISHALLANY." 

The  lady  to  whom  the  above  letter  was  ad- 
dressed has  recently  favored  us  with  a  brief 
communication,  from  which  we  select  a  few 
interesting  incidents.  "Antonio  was  a  con- 
stant visitor  at  my  house  during  the  whiter, 
bringing  with  him  almost  invariably  his  Ara- 
bic Bible,  and  while  I  read  the  English, 
translating  from  his  own  to  observe  the  cor- 
respondence. His  whole  heart  was  absorbed 
in  the  one  wish  of  doing  something  for  the 


148  ANTOXIO  BISHALLANY. 

Saviour.     His  conversation  was  always  of  a 

serious  character;  and  he  often  expressed 
himself  astonished  that  there  should  be  in 
this  enlightened  country,  so  favored  with  re- 
ligious privileges,  any  who  did  not  serve  God. 
He  said  he  did  not  expect  to  find  so  many 
wicked  people  in  America,  and  was  grieved 
that  so  few  should  embrace  the  religion  of 
Jesus;  and  felt  sure  that  as  soon  as  he  be- 
came more  familiar  with  the  language,  he 
should  be  able,  God  helping  him,  to  bring 
many  to  the  Saviour. 

"  After  he  was  confined  to  his  room  I  visit- 
ed him  frequently.  He  always  expressed 
thankfulness  that  God  had  put  it  into  his 
heart  to  come  to  this  country,  where  he  had 
learned  so  much  of  Christ,  and  found  so 
many  Christian  friends.  On  one  occasion  I 
found  him  very  feeble,  having,  as  he  told  me, 
coughed  all  night.  I  said,  'You  should  not 
have  been  left  alone,  Antonio.'  His  counte- 
nance brightened,  and  he  said,  '  Oh  no,  I 
have  not  been  alone,  the  Saviour  has  been 
with  me  all  night,  and  I  asked  him  to  take 
me  with  him ;  but  no,  he  is  not  ready  for  me : 
perhaps  he  will  let  me  do  something  for  him 


ABDALLAH  EL  WATWAT.  149 

yet  before  lie  takes  me.  I  must,  oh  I  must 
do  something  for  Christ.  I  want  to  lead 
souls  to  the  blessed  Saviour.  He  is  so  pre- 
cious to  me,  I  have  enjoyed  his  presence 
so   much,  I  want   every  body  to   come  to 

Christ.' " 

- 

FROM  ABDALLAH  EL  WATWAT,   BEIRUT,  MAY  9,  1856,  TO 
ANTONIO  BISHALLANY,   AT  NEW  YORK. 

(Translated  from  the  Arabic.) 

"  My  dear  Antonio — May  your  life  be  pro- 
longed ;  and  please  receive  the  expression  of 
my  most  longing  desires  to  see  the  light  of 
your  countenance  again  in  prosperity  and 
health.  Mr.  Hurter  has  sent  you  a  box  of 
books,  and  in  it  are  all  the  kinds  you  wrote 
for.  I  hope  they  will  arrive  safely.  He  will 
tell  you  whom  to  pay  the  amount  to  in  Amer- 
ica. As  for  the  raisins,  dry  apricots,  and 
pistachio  nuts  you  ordered,  pray  do  not  think 
that  I  have  made  no  effort  to  send  them  to 
your  brother;  but  what  delayed  me  was  the 
non-arrival  of  the  vessel  coming  from  Ameri- 
ca to  Beirut.  I  intended  to  send  you  the 
things  by  the  gentleman  that  takes  the  books, 
but  the  will  of  the  Lord  permitted  me  not. 


150  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

I  was  taken  clown  with  illness  of  great  sever- 
ity almost  unto  death.  This  was  the  reason 
of  the  delay  in  sending  yon  the  books ;  now, 
thank  God,  and  through  the  mercy  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  the  Messiah,  I  have  re- 
gained my  health,  and  as  the  vessel  is  ready 
to  receive  it,  I  will  have  the  box  put  on  board 
immediately.  I  am  vexed  more  than  you  are 
at  the  delay,  for  I  fear  that  you  have  needed 
the  things;  but  as  I  have  already  told  you, 
the  will  of  God  put  a  stop  to  it.  We  have 
had  various  diseases,  as  well  as  the  cholera, 
so  that  we  had  to  leave  for  Sohma,  and  were 
three  months  without  work.  When  I  went 
down  to  Beirut,  Mary  took  the  fever,  and 
then  the  children;  after  that  I  had  it,  but 
still  I  thank  God  for  all  his  mercies  and  fa- 
vors. This  is  all  that  is  necessary  to  say. 
Mary  and  the  rest  send  their  compliments  to 
you.  Your  mother  and  your  brother  Abra- 
ham are  continually  sending  letters  to  me 
inquiring  after  you.  Good-by. 
"  Yours  truly, 

"ABD ALLAH  EL  WATWAT." 
"  Beirut,  27th  of  Nisan,  (May  9,)  1856." 


A  CONSOLING  LETTER.  151 

FROM   MR.   J.  C.   H.  TO    ANTOXIO. 

"  New  York,  May  25,  1856. 

"  Dear  Friend  Antonio — I  have  not  found 
an  opportunity  before  to-day  to  answer  your 
letter  written  eight  days  ago. 

"  The  sky  is  again  clouding  over,  and  the 
chilly  ah-  and  moaning  wind  carry  my 
thoughts  to  Amenia,  where  perhaps  you  are 
suffering  in  consequence  of  the  changing 
weather.  But  it  is  not  in  my  heart  to  com- 
plain. I  know  that  you  stand  on  the  Rock 
that  is  higher  than  you,  and  that  you  can 
recognize  the  hand  of  your  loving  Father  in 
affliction  and  trial,  no  less  than  in  prosperity 
and  joy.  'Whom  he  loveth  he  chasteneth;' 
though  I  cannot  believe  that  your  sufferings 
are  intended  as  a  chastisement,  but  rather 
that  others  may  see  of  the  strength  which  his 
Spirit  gives,  and  be  led  to  serve  their  Father 
in  heaven.  I  am  sustained  by  the  knowledge 
that  what  is  happening  to  you  is  for  your 
own  and  my  own  good  and  the  good  of  the 
world ;  and  so  long  as  we  continue  to  do  all 
we  can  to  arrest  disease,  scatter  the  pain, 
and  restore  to  health,  with  all  my  friendship 
and  love  I  cannot  wish  you  to  be  relieved 


152  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

from  one  moment  of  suffering  which,  notwith- 
standing prayer  and  effort,  God  in  his  wis- 
dom subjects  you  to.  I  know  that  such  words 
will  not  bring  sadness  to  your  heart,  but  will 
give  you  new  strength  and  joy  when  you 
think  of  being  accounted  worthy  to  be  placed 
in  circumstances  where  the  light  of  your 
Christian  endurance  and  example  shines  so 
brightly  on  the  world. 

"  Very  truly  your  friend, 

«j.  c.  H » 

"  Amenia  Seminary,  May  25,  185G. 

«  Mk.  H : 

"My  deae  Feiend — I  have  received  your 
kind  letter,  and  your  bounty  inquires  about 
the  medicine.  I  had  it  last  Monday  in  the 
evening,  and  I  have  used  it  according  to  his 
direction.  In  three  days  my  soul  was  going 
to  quit  my  body,  if  I  had  not  the  medicine  of 
the  doctor.  The  doctor's  medicine  it  helped 
me  better ;  if  I  had  used  it  until  this  time  I 
should  have  been  improved  considerably. 
Still,  I  am  better  now.  Yesterday  I  had  a 
ride  on  horseback,  and  I  wished  very  much 
that  you  had  been  with  mo,  for  the  excellent 


HIS  REPLY.  153 

sight  of  this  country  now  cannot  be  imag- 
ined :  for  the  trees  begin  to  give  us  their 
delightful  shade ;  the  grass  is  shooting  forth, 
as  if  glad  to  see  summer  again  after  its  long 
confinement  beneath  winter's  snowy  mantle ; 
indeed  every  thing  begins  to  look  gay. 

"Dear  sir,  I  received  a  letter  from  the 
dearest  mother,  encouraging  me  in  my  afflic- 
tions in  such  expressive  manner,  such  as  I 
never  heard  from  my  mother  the  like  tender- 
ness of  heart ;  also  telling  me  that  Charley 
and  Willy  are  getting  better.  I  hope  the 
next  time  to  hear  that  they  are  cured  entire- 
ly. I  beg  you  also  to  give  my  respect  to  Mr. 
Henry,  when  you  shall  write  to  him.  I  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Eev.  Dr.  Cheever  the 
same  time  I  received  yours.  I  also  received 
a  letter  from  Mr.  Hurter  at  Beirut,  'and 
sending  me  a  box  of  books  to  Boston  ac- 
cording to  your  direction;  they  are  coming 
by  a  ship  is  called  Kace-horse,  sailed  from 

Smyrna.     I  wrote  a  letter  also  to  Dr.  A , 

begging  him  to  inquire  from  Mr.  Merwin, 
BMe-house,  for  he  knew  about  her,  if  she 
arrived  or  not.  She  sailed  from  Smyrna, 
April,  1856.     I  beg  you  give  my  respect  to 


154  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

the  parent,  and  to  Miss  Sarah  and  Miss  Laura, 
and  all  the  brethren. 

"I  am  your  most  obedient  and  most  affec- 
tion friend, 

"  AO.  BISHALLANY. 

"Also  Mr.  Foss  sends  you  his  respects. 
Think  not  that  I  am  writing  much,  for  this 
is  instead  of  my  composition,  and  this  would 
not  hurt  me." 

These  several  letters,  fraught  with  expres- 
sions of  sympathy  and  Christian  counsel  and 
comfort,  must  have  been  very  consoling  and 
pleasant  to  Antonio.  His  declining  health 
would  naturally  affect  his  spirits.  It  imped- 
ed him  in  his  studies,  rendered  his  acquisi- 
tion of  knowledge  laborious  and  painful,  and 
cast  a  shadow  over  the  prospect  he  had  loved 
to  contemplate  of  his  future  services  in  the 
missionary  field.  His  kind  Mends  knew  his 
trials  and  sorrows;  and  though  absent  from 
him,  they  bore  him  upon  their  hearts,  re- 
membered him  in  their  prayers,  and  address- 
ed to  him  affectionate  epistles  adapted  to 
cheer  and  encourage  him  under  the  pressure 
of  affliction.      How  welcome   those   letters 


HIS  PASTOR'S  LETTER.  155 

were,  and  what  a  cordial  they  were  to  his 
heart,  is  evident  in  the  grateful  responses  he 
so  warmly  uttered.  They  were  like  the  com- 
ing of  Joseph  unto  Jacob,  bringing  joy  and 
gladness  to  his  soul,  and  called  forth  grati- 
tude not  only  to  the  dear  friends  who  wrote 
them,  but  to  his  heavenly  Father  who  thus 
disposed  them  to  minister  to  his  comfort. 

Among  the  letters  he  received  while  at 
Amenia,  was  one  from  his  beloved  pastor, 
who  took  a  lively  interest  in  him,  and  from 
the  period  he  became  a  member  of  his  flock 
exercised  over  him  the  care  of  a  faithful  and 
tender  shepherd.  He  regarded  him  as  one 
of  Christ's  precious  flock,  and  admired  the 
humility  and  meekness,  the  love  and  zeal 
by  which  he  was  distinguished,  and  both  he 
and  his  people  gave  proof  of  their  Christian 
affection  towards  this  humble  and  interest- 
ing disciple  by  many  acts  of  beneficence. 

"  New  York,  May  17,  1856. 

"My  dear  Brother  Bishallany — I  am 
very  glad  to  receive  a  letter  from  you. 
What  you  say  of  your  health  makes  me 
fear   that   you    are   in   danger    of  applying 


156  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

- 

yourself  too  closely  to  study.  Now  that  the 
weather  is  becoming  settled  and  fine,  you 
ought  to  be  as  much  as  possible  in  the  open 
air.  If  you  have  the  pain  in  your  chest,  you 
must  not  sit  at  your  studies  or  be  confined 
closely.  But  I  hope,  by  the  blessing  of  God, 
you  are  better.  I  hope  you  find  the  climate 
easier  for  you.  Let  me  know  how  you  are, 
and  whether  you  want  any  thing.  Your  trust 
is  in  Christ,  and  you  enjoy  his  presence,  I 
hope,  continually.  That  is  a  feast  for  the  soul 
that  makes  up  for  every  thing.  He  will  give 
you  strength  for  whatever  he  has  for  you  to 
do.  He  is  a  gracious,  compassionate,  loving 
Saviour.  He  is  for  you  your  home,  your 
country,  your  physician,  your  portion,  your 
all.  You  have  only  to  keep  near  to  Him,  and 
in  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication 
with  thanksgiving  to  let  your  requests  be 
made  known  to  God,  and  the  peace  of  God, 
that  passeth  all  understanding,  shall  keep 
your  heart  and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus. 
"  Most  affectionately  and  truly  yours, 

"  GEORGE  B.'  CHEEVER." 

An  unfinished  letter  was  found  in  Anto- 
nio's handwriting.      The  name  of  the  person 


FERVENT  GRATITUDE.  157 

to  whom  it  was  written  is  not  mentioned,  but 
we  can  readily  conjecture  whose  kind  atten- 
tions were  thus  tenderly  felt. 

"  Amfvia  Seminary,  Tuesday,  June  3,  185G. 

"  My  dear  Sir — I  have  received  that  kind 
letter,  which  has  cheered  me  by  presenting 
the  sympathy  of  the  writer.  But  it  has  been 
drenched  in  the  flowing  tears  of  my  eyes  be- 
fore I  had  read  it.  Dear  sir,  think  not  that 
to  be  of  grief  or  sorrow:  no;  but  it  is  from 
rapture,  joy,  and  ecstasy.  I  consider  it  to 
be  the  greatest  thing  ever  has  been  on  earth 
to  find  such  excellent  birth  and  unsullied 
race  cheering  me  always  by  his  sweetest 
speech  and  supplying  my  want  in  all.  But 
I  say  it  is  not  you ;  it  God's  work-hand  man- 
ifest in  you." 

As  every  comfort  is  sweetened  by  recog- 
nizing jjhe  hand  of  God  in  it,  and  regarding 
it  as  a  gift  of  his  love,  so  the  friends  of  Anto- 
nio were  rendered  doubly  precious  by  his 
habit  of  acknowledging  in  them  the  provi- 
dence of  the  Lord.  And  not  only  did  he  view 
them  as  blessings  of  divine  Providence,  but 


158  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

as  the  workmanship  of  divine  grace.  "  It 
is  not  you;  it  is  God's  work-hand  mani- 
fest in  you."  He  knew  that  man  was  natu- 
rally selfish,  covetous,  and  ready  to  seek  his 
own  advantage  at  the  sacrifice  of  that  of  oth- 
ers. He  had  seen  probably,  in  his  own  coun- 
try, much  of  cruelty  and  oppression.  The 
discovery  of  such  kindness  and  affection  as 
Antonio  experienced  here,  and  that  from 
comparative  strangers,  therefore  filled  him 
with  amazement,  and  awakened  all  the  ten- 
der emotions  of  his  heart.  It  created  grati- 
tude, joy,  and  rapture;  and  leading  him  from 
the  gift  to  the  giver,  called  forth  his  praise 
to  that  adorable  Being  who  disposes  the  hu- 
man heart  to  love  and  sympathy,  and  direct- 
ed those  loving  and  sympathizing  hearts 
towards  himself,  a  poor  stranger  in  a  strange 
land. 

In  the  afflictions  of  Christ's  humble  poor 
He  has  a  fellow-feeling,  and  has  taught  us 
by  his  example  on  earth  to  minister  to  their 
wants  and  to  comfort  them  in  their  sorrows. 
He  exj^erienced  the  trials  of  poverty  and  des- 
titution, and  condescended  to  the  deepest 
humiliation  for  our  good ;  and  ours  is  the  ob- 


ABANDONS  STUDY.  159 

ligation  to  cultivate  the  mind  of  Him,  "who 
though  he  was  rich,  for  our  sakes  became 
poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be 
made  rich."  In  acts  of  kindness  to  the  des- 
titute of  Christ's  family,  we  honor  and  please 
their  Lord  and  Saviour,  for  they  are  his  re- 
deemed ones,  and  we  give  evidence  of  our 
faith  in  the  works  of  charity  and  benevolence 
which  are  its  natural  fruit. 

Anxious  as  Antonio  was  to  obtain  an  edu- 
cation, and  resolute  and  persevering  as  he 
was  in  defiance  of  bodily  infirmities,  yet  he 
was  so  enfeebled  that  his  strong  will  and 
buoyant  spirit  were  compelled  to  succumb; 
and  in  the  month  of  June  he  felt  the  neces- 
sity, and  his  friends  saw  it,  of  abandoning 
his  studies,  and  the  idea  was  very  seriously 
entertained  of  a  sea-voyage.  With  a  mind 
pretty  well  made  up  to  undertake  it,  he  again 
bade  adieu  to  the  seminary  and  to  the  pleas- 
ant associations  formed  there,  and  for  the 
present  at  least,  to  the  hopes  connected  with 
the  education  he  was  receiving,  as  enabling 
him  to  accomplish  the  darling  purpose  of  his 
life,  and  came  to  New  York.  He  was  for 
some  time  confined  to  his  bed,  and  it  became 


160  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

so  evident  that  lie  was  too  much  prostrated 
to  undergo  a  voyage,  that  the  idea  was  aban- 
doned. 

Instead  of  sailing  for  Syria,  his  books  were 
laid  aside,  his  expectation  of  becoming  a  mis- 
sionary relinquished,  and  his  plans  of  future 
usefulness  as  a  laborer  in  the  gospel  vineyard 
were  broken  up.  Emaciated  in  body,  suffer- 
ing with  a  heavy  cough,  far  away  from  his 
kindred  and  native  land,  our  interesting 
friend  was  indeed  passing  through  the  deep 
waters  of  affliction.  How  true  it  is  that  man 
"  deviseth  his  way,  but  the  Lord  directeth 
his  steps ;"  that  we  plan  and  purpose  a 
course  of  action  and  anticipate  its  results, 
but  the  divine  mind  may  have  determined 
altogether  differently.  The  comfort  of  the 
Christian  consists  in  knowing  that  his  way  is 
thus  ordered  by  infinite  wisdom  and  love,  for 
he  is  conscious  of  his  ignorance  and  short- 
sightedness and  inability  to  govern  himself. 
He  knows  that  if  left  to  the  guidance  of  his 
own  fallible  judgment  he  would  be  likely  to 
err,  and  inflict  upon  himself  and  upon  others 
the  most  serious  injury.  With  pleasure  there- 
fore he  recognizes  the  supremacy  of  God, 


FAITH  IN  GOD.  161 

and  says,  The  Lord  reigneth,  and  I  will  re- 
joice. 

Antonio  no  doubt  felt  the  sustaining  effi- 
cacy of  this  truth,  for  he  loved  God  and  exer- 
cised in  Him  the  highest  confidence.  He  was 
too  familiar  with  the  word  of  God  to  lose 
sight  of  His  all-controlling  providence,  and 
his  conceptions  of  the  glorious  attributes  of 
Jehovah  assured  him  that  what  God  did  was 
always  best. 

In  the  sorrows  of  this  dear  suffering  disci- 
ple the  Lord  Jesus  took  a  tender  interest, 
and  opened  to  his  soul  the  promises  and 
benefits  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  assur- 
ing him  that  afflictions  are  among  the  all 
things  that  work  together  for  good.  His 
faith  rested  upon  the  Saviour;  and  in  the 
enjoyment  of  His  presence,  in  the  communi- 
cations of  His  grace,  in  the  fellowship  of  his 
soul  with  Him,  he  had  meat  which  others 
knew  not  of — a  holy  peace,  a  pure  and  satis- 
fying consolation,  that  converted  his  sick- 
room into  a  Bethel,  and  gave  him  a  foretaste 
of  heaven. 

There  is  a  gracious  design  in  the  afflictions 
which  our  heavenly  Father  sends  upon  his 

Bishallany.  1 1 


162  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

children  :  they  are  the  trials  of  their  faith 
and  obedience.  As  God  tempted  or  tried 
Abraham  by  commanding  the  sacrifice  of  his 
only  son,  so  he  puts  the  piety  of  his  people 
to  the  test;  and  blessed  is  that  man  who, 
having  passed  through  the  fiery  ordeal,  is 
proven  to  be  of  the  pure  gold,  and  whose 
"faith,  being  more  precious  than  gold,  though 
it  be  tried  by  fire,  shall  be  found  unto  praise 
and  honor  and  glory  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus 
Christ." 

Afflictions  are  designed  to  purify  the  heart 
from  the  dross  of  corruption  and  to  brighten 
its  Christian  virtues.  He  chasteneth  us  for 
our  profit,  that  we  may  be  partakers  of  his 
holiness,  that  we  may  be  assimilated  to  his 
moral  character  and  fitted  for  a  higher  and 
nobler  existence.  They  are  intended  to  wean 
us  from  earth,  to  render  us  sensible  that  the 
dearest  joys  we  have  below  may  vanish  from 
our  sight ;  and  that  if  we  would  secure  a  pure 
and  substantial  bliss,  we  must  look  away 
from  the  creature  to  the  Creator,  from  the 
things  that  are  seen  and  temporal  to  those 
that  are  unseen  and  eternal.  They  are  de- 
signed to  elevate  our  hearts  towards  heaven, 


CHRISTIAN  SYMPATHY.  163 

to  cause  us  to  feel  that  this  world  is  not  our 
home,  and  that  we  have  here  no  continuing 
city,  but  seek  one  to  come,  a  city  which  hath 
foundations,  whose  maker  and  builder  is  God. 
The  rich  personal  experience  of  this  humble 
servant  of  Christ,  and  his  habit  of  drawing 
instruction  and  comfort  from  the  living  foun- 
tain of  divine  truth,  qualified  him  thus  to  rec- 
ognize the  purpose  of  God  in  the  disappoint- 
ments and  sufferings  which  had  crossed  his 
pathway.  He  knew  they  came  from  the  Be- 
ing who  loved  him  and  whom  he  loved,  and 
they  drew  his  soul  nearer  to  the  great  attract- 
ing centre  of  his  affections.  His  perfections 
he  adored,  His  person  he  loved,  in  His  word 
he  reposed  his  trust,  and  to  His  will  he  bowed 
in  humble  and  cheerful  acquiescence. 

While  he  was  confined  to  his  room  or  his 
bed,  kind  Christian  friends  without  had  not 
forgotten  him.  Many  hearts  turned  towards 
him  with  sympathy,  and  many  prayers  went 
up  to  God  in  his  behalf. 

The  following  letter  from  a  pious  female 
friend  must  have  been  a  cordial  to  his 
heart. 


164  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

"  Richfield  Springs,  July  6,  1856. 

"  My  dear  Friend — It  is  with  much  sad- 
ness I  learn  through  rny  sister  that  you  are 
not  as  well  as  you  were  when  I  last  saw  you. 
And  I  fear  you  must  be  very  much  worse,  as 
you  have  been  obliged  to  leave  your  study, 
for  that  I  know  was  the  strongest  desire  of 
your  heart,  to  fit  yourself  for  preaching  the 
gospel  for  the  benefit  of  your  fellow-crea- 
tures. 

"  But  it  may  be,  Antonio,  that  your  heav- 
enly Father  sees  fit  to  spare  you  farther  labor 
on  earth,  and  is  fitting  you  to  fill  a  more  ex- 
alted station.  To  know  that  we  are  under 
a  divine  Leader,  and  that  he  knoweth  all 
things,  is  indeed  a  comfort  to  our  fainting 
hearts.  And  of  you  it  may  be  truly  said, 
'  When  my  father  and  mother  forsake  me, 
the  Lord  will  take  me  up.'  Your  path  has 
been  an  uncommon  one,  plucked  as  it  were 
from  the  burning,  from  darkness  and  error, 
and  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  blessed 
Saviour.  A  bed  of  sickness  is,  many  times, 
like  a  refiner's  fire.  May  it  prove  so  to  you 
and  to  me,  my  dear  friend.  How  well  I  know 
how  to  sympathize  with  you.     But  while  we 


LOOKING  UP.  165 

see  the  dark  things  of  this  world  departing 
and  are  sad,  look  up.  I  regret  very,  very 
much  that  I  am  not  able  to  administer  to  yoiu 
comfort.  I  am  still  suffering  from  debility, 
which  makes  me  think  the  more  of  you.  .  .  . 
Hoping  to  hear  you  are  more  comfortable, 
"I  remain  your  sincere  friend, 

"  E.  St.  J." 

Wise  and  animating  advice  to  "  look  tip." 
What  relief  would  the  tempest-tossed  Chris- 
tian find,  did  he  often  turn  away  from  the 
billows  that  beat  against  his  bark,  and  look 
up  to  Him  who  rules  the  winds  and  the 
waves.  He  can  either  rescue  us  from  the 
calamities  that  have  befallen  us,  or  can  give 
us  grace  to  bear  them.  Looking  to  Him,  we 
may  see  a  Father's  face  smiling  through  the 
cloud,  and  hear  a  voice  saying,  "It  is  I;  be 
not  afraid." 

What  a  comfort,  amid  this  world's  sorrows, 
to  look  up  to  that  bright  and  happy  home, 
where  the  weary  shall  be  at  rest,  and  where 
sickness,  pain,  sorrow,  or  sin  shall  never  dis- 
turb the  peace  of  the  redeemed. 


166  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

"  Look  up  to  yonder  world ; 

See  myriads  round  the  throne ; 
Each  bears  a  golden  harp, 

And  wears  a  glorious  crown. 
With  zeal  they  strike  the  sacred  lyre, 
And  strive  to  raise  their  praises  higher." 

Antonio  had  fixed  his  eye  upon  that  celes- 
tial world.  He  could  say,  "Blessed  be  the 
God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  who  of  his  eternal  purpose 
hath  begotten  us  unto  a  lively  hope  in  Je- 
sus Christ,  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible, 
undefiled,  and  that  facleth  not  away."  He 
looked- up  and  hoped  to  be  with  Jesus,  and 
behold  his  face  in  righteousness — to  be  one 
of  those  blood-washed  myriads  who  stand 
around  the  throne  of  God — to  have  a  crown 
of  glory  upon  his  head  and  a  golden  harp  in 
his  hand,  and  to  join  the  general  song  of 
rjraise  that  will  be  poured  forth  to  God  and 
the  Lamb. 

Antonio's  critical  state  and  great  weakness 
requiring  constant  skilful  attention,  a  suc- 
cessful effort  was  made  to  secure  for  him  the 
superior  accommodations  of  the  New  York 
Hospital,  on  Broadway,  which  was  founded 


IN  THE  HOSPITAL.  167 

by  a  voluntary  association,  and  is  sustained 
by  the  subscription  of  its  members  and  the 
contributions  of  the  benevolent.  Many  of 
the  patients  whose  circumstances  are  limited 
are  received  gratuitously,  and  others  who 
have  the  means  to  do  so,  pay  a  certain  amount 
per  week.  Many  persons  of  respectability 
residing  at  hotels  and  boarding-houses,  when 
suffering  from  sickness  or  injuries,  go  to  the 
hospital  to  avail  themselves  of  the  superior 
advantages  of  nursing  and  medical  attention 
which  are  there  to  be  enjoyed.  Here  Anto- 
nio had  a  large  room  to  himself,  and  received 
the  kind  attentions  of  Mr.  Darrach,  the  intel- 
ligent and  faithful  superintendent,  and  his 
amiable  and  excellent  wife,  and  the  visits  of 
his  numerous  friends.  For  several  weeks  he 
arose  as  usual  in  the  morning,  and  remained 
irp  during  the  day,  sometimes  walking  out  on 
the  grounds  to  enjoy  the  refreshing  air.  But 
his  disease  gained  rapidly,  and  his  sufferings 
were  go  great  that  he  sometimes  became  im- 
patient and  irritable.  A  colored  nurse  notic- 
ing this,  at  first  thought  it  not  consistent 
with  his  being  a  true  Christian ;  but  she  at 
length  changed  her  mind,  and  said  her  com- 


168  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

plaint  arose  more  from  want  of  grace  in  her- 
self than  in  him.  She  is  now,  we  trust,  with 
him  among  the  spirits  of  the  just  made  per- 
fect. Antonio  had  been  accustomed  to  yield 
most  careful  service  and  attention  to  those 
who  were  entitled  to  it  from  time  to  time, 
and  now  when  the  tables  were  reversed,  he 
required  equal  faithfulness  from  others.  "  I 
have  been  not  a  little  amused,"  observes  one 
who  saw  him  often,  "  at  his  decided  manner 
where  service  was  due  to  him.  It  was  not 
violent  or  unkind,  but  it  was  in  the  tone  of 
one  requiring  something  to  which  he  was  en- 
titled." 

The  dispensations  of  Providence  towards 
him  were  indeed  dark  and  inscrutable.  He 
had  seemed  directly  called  to  missionary  la- 
bor, and  the  way  was  marvellously  opened 
before  him.  His  whole  soul  was  inspired 
with  a  longing  desire  to  embark  in  the  work. 
"  "Woe  is  me,"  he  exclaimed,  "  if  I  preach  not 
the  gospel."  "  Do  you  think,"  said  he,  "that 
I  would  otherwise  have  abandoned  my  prop- 
erty, submitted  first  to  the  neglect  and  con- 
tempt of  my  friends,  and  then  have  been  sepa- 
rated from  them  and  left  my  home  to  come  to 


"THY    WILL    BE    DONE."  169 

a  strange  land  among  strangers?"  And 
now,  just  as  by  severe  toil  he  had  mastered 
the  English  language  so  that  there  was 
real  pleasure  in  his  studies,  and  he  could 
fairly  enter  the  wide  field  of  usefulness  for 
which  he  had  so  long  and  so  ardently  panted, 
and  felt  that  he  had  the  weapons  with  which 
successfully  to  attack  the  strong-holds  of  Sa- 
tan which  he  saw  reared  around  him,  was  he 
to  die?  Could  such  be  the  will  of  God?  He 
thought  not. 

But  when  he  came  to  view  his  disappoint- 
ments and  sickness  and  sufferings  and  frus- 
trated designs  and  blasted  hopes  in  the  light 
of  divine  dispensations,  and  felt  that  God  his 
heavenly  Father  was  the  author  of  them  all, 
his  mind  became  calm,  and  with  the  spirit  of 
humble  and  holy  resignation  he  said,  "  Thy 
will  be  done." 

To  his  friends  he  was  always  kind  and 
affable,  usually  receiving  them  with  a  sweet 
smile.  The  number  who  visited  him,  in- 
cluding several  clergymen  from  different  de- 
nominations who  had  become  interested  in 
him,  proved  he  had  a  place  in  the  hearts  of 
those  who  knew  him.    Among  the  clergymen 


nO  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

whom  lie  gladly  welcomed,  was  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Holdich,  who  thus  writes : 

"  On  receiving  from  him  a  request  to  call 
and  see  him,  I  took  the  first  opportunity  of 
so  doing,  and  found  him  sitting  up  indeed, 
but  much  reduced  in  flesh,  and  evidently  fail- 
ing very  fast.  I  called  on  him  repeatedly 
after  this,  and  I  remember  very  well  the  state 
of  his  mind  and  the  general  drift  of  his  re- 
marks. From  my  first  interview  he  had  no 
hope  of  recovery.  He  even  thought  his  end 
very  near,  much  nearer  in  fact  than  it  proved. 
Yet  he  expressed  no  regrets.  He  seemed 
peaceful  and  resigned.  He  observed  that 
God  had  been  faithful  to  him,  and  that  noth- 
ing had  failed  of  all  God's  promises.  At 
each  visit  he  requested  me  to  pray  with  him, 
always  desiring  that  I  would  first  read  a  por- 
tion of  the  Scriptures. 

"At  another  visit,  when  speaking  of  his 
anticipated  death,  he  remarked  that  '  he  had 
nothing  to  complain  of.  God  had  been  very 
good  to  him.  Yet  he  did  sometimes  regret 
that  he  was  not  permitted  to  finish  his  edu- 
cation, and  return  to  his  own  country  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  his  countrymen.'     He 


HIS  RELATIVES.  171 

expressed  also  a  wish  that  he  might  have 
been  permitted  to  live  and  acquire  sufficient 
ability  to  publish  his  own  views  of  the  holy 
Scriptures.  It  was  evidently  his*  impression 
that,  by  very  close  and  diligent  study  of  the 
Bible,  he  had  acquired  a  clearer  and  deeper 
insight  into  the  meaning  of  the  sacred  record 
than  most  persons  possess. 

"  On  another  occasion,  finding  he  could  not 
endure  much  longer,  I  inquired  something 
about  his  relations  in  Syria,  and  asked  if  he 
wished  any  communication  to  be  made  to 
them.  He  replied  that  he  had  attended  to 
all  that ;  and  that  as  soon  as  he  found  or  be- 
lieved his  recovery  hopeless,  he  had  written 
a  letter  to  inform  his  friends  of  his  condi- 
tion; that  it  would  be  found  in  his  trunk; 
and  that  he  desired  that  after  his  death  it 
might  be  forwarded. 

"  During  all  this  time  he  appeared  to  rest 
upon  the  atonement  of  Christ,  and  seemed 
to  be  filled  with  peace  and  hope  through 
faith  in  him.  Towards  the  latter  part  of  his 
life,  he  suffered  much  pain;  his  breathing 
became  oppressed,  and  it  was  very  difficult 
for  him  to  converse.     On  one  occasion  he  re- 


172  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

quested  that  at  his  death  I  would  attend  and 
perform  the  funeral  services,  which  I  agreed 
to  do.  He  died,  however,  while  I  was  out  of 
town. 

"  The  last  call  I  made  on  him  was  less 
satisfactory  than  the  others,  on  account  of 
his  exhaustion  and  inability  to  converse.  I 
spoke  to  him  on  the  mysteries  of  divine  provi- 
dence, the  design  and,  under  the  divine  Spir- 
it, the  purifying  effect  of  suffering,  the  neces- 
sity of  submission  and  patience,  with  such 
other  topics  as  his  situation  suggested,  to  all 
which  he  seemed  to  pay  great  attention.  I 
then  read  the  Scriptures  and  offered  prayer. 
As  I  took  leave  he  pressed  my  hand,  and 
thanked  me  for  what  I  had  said,  and  for 
coming  to  see  him." 

We  here  insert  a  translation  of  the  letter 
Antonio  addressed  to  his  brother,  to  be  for- 
warded after  his  decease.  It  will  be  consid- 
ered a  remarkable  production,  glowing  with 
pious  sentiment  expressive  of  his  own  peace 
and  Christian  hopes,  and  his  concern  for  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  beloved  kindred  and 
Mends.  It  was  written  in  Arabic,  with  an 
accompanying  note  in  English  to  Mr.  H , 


FAREWELL  LETTER.  173 

who  has  forwarded  it  to  Syria  agreeably  to 
the  writer's  request. 

"  To  Soleema,  on  Mount  Lebanon,  Syria: 

["  To  be  delivered  into  the  hands  of  Hinna  (John) 
Saad,  Allah,  or  to  Abraham  Joseph  Bishallany.] 

"  Do  not  ask  any  thing  belonging  to  the 
inheritance  from  this  country.  The  income 
was  sufficient  for  my  physician,  and  the  ex- 
penses of  instruction  and  the  schools  only  are 
found  in  the  library  of  books,  amounting  to 
a  sum  of  two  thousand  piastres.  They  are 
all  in  the  English  language — would  be  of  no 
use  to  you,  and  are  willed  to  my  friends  here. 
May  God  prolong  your  life. 

"  In  the  words  of  the  poet, 

"  The  man  of  fear  appears  from  under  his 
hiding-place. 

"  The  heart  has  melted  from  very  hard- 
ship. 

"  The  eye  weeps  for  the  sejDaration  from 
friends. 

"  At  this  distance  there  is  no  one  near  me 
or  to  meet  in  a  busy,  noisy  world. 

"  No  questions  but  in  the  day  of  account- 
ing.     There  debtor  and  creditor  will  meet 


174  ANTONIO   BISHaLLANY. 

face  to  face,  and  justice  will  be  rendered  on 
demanding,  and  give  every  one  his  right ;  and 
the  false  are  cast  ont,  and  the  wicked  plunged 
into  Satan's  jail,  and  the  righteous  elevated 
to  the  highest  places." 

"From  New  York,  America,  to  Soleema,  on  Mount  Leba- 
non, Syria: 

"  To  MY  MOST  HONOKED  AND  ESTEEMED  BRETH- 

ken,  John  Saad,  Allah,  and  Abraham — May 
the  Master  of  all  things  preserve  them  in 
peace. 

"After  presenting  you  from  the  depths  of 
the  heart  my  salutations,  and  asking  after 
your  health,  my  wish  is  that  you  be  in  the 
enjoyment  of  complete  health  and  prosperity. 
Then  if  it  should  please  you  to  ask  after  the 
condition  of  him  who  has  none,  (in  the  body,) 
only  friendship  and  amity,  at  the  date  hereof 
he  is  in  a  very  bad  state  under  the  mercy  of 
God.  The  reason  of  that  is  this :  he  took  a 
cold  in  the  month  of  Nisan,  (April,)  1855,  and 
in  this  country  all  the  doctors  refused  to 
bleed,  for  bleeding  is  not  the  treatment  here, 
and  not  one  could  be  found  who  would  agree 
to  let  blood.      Then  my  cold  came  on  afresh 


FAREWELL  LETTER.  175 

with  a  bad  cough,  and  I  was  put  under  med- 
ical care,  and  took  medicines  until  I  spent 
about  eight  thousand  piastres ;  and  in  all  this 
illness  I  was  not  confined  to  bed,  and  was 
continually  pursuing  my  studies  and  learn- 
ing gradually  without  stopping  at  all.  I  took 
cold  again  in  the  month  of  Haziran,  (June,) 
1856,  and  then  felt  as  if  I  was  no  longer  for 
this  world.  Then  I  wrote  this  explanation, 
and  will  leave  it  with  one  of  my  friends  in 
this  country ;  and  when  I  die,  for  him  to  send 
it  to  my  country,  that  they  may  know  the 
reason,  and  their  minds  be  not  confused  at 
the  cessation  of  correspondence  between  us 
in  this  vain  world. 

"  Since  every  creature  must  die,  and  every 
righteous  soul  will  be  gathered  unto  Christ 
the  Redeemer  in  the  immortal  world,  I  hope 
to  meet  you  before  the  Judge  when  he  shall 
be  sitting  on  his  throne  in  glory,  purified 
from  sin  and  become  sons  of  his  right  hand, 
as  promised  from  the  beginning  of  the  world, 
there  like  the  angels  of  the  Father,  in  unity, 
without  separation,  and  live  together  in  a  new 
world  without  beginning  or  end.  I  write 
you  that  you  may  not  think  that  what  has 


176  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

happened  to  me  lias  been  through  careless- 
ness or  through  neglect,  for  I  was  well  treat- 
ed and  served  in  every  respect.  Neither  must 
you  think  that  I  die  unhappy,  for  I  am  truly 
happy  in  separating  from  this  world,  and  my 
eyes  are  filled  with  all  things,  (abundantly 
satisfied  with  every  thing.)  I  have  no  longer 
any  desire  for  this  world,  and  have  -had. 
enough  of  it.  Truly  have  I  passed  good  and 
happy  times  here  with  my  Christian  brothers 
in  this  country,  as  I  can  say,  Even  Solomon 
in  all  his  glory  has  not  seen  a  better  or  more 
happy  time  than  I  have.  I  go  happy,  reach- 
ing forward  to  join  my  Saviour,  the  Saviour 
of  all  that  .come  unto  him.  And  I  pray  you 
earnestly  to  seek  him,  to  abandon  all  earthly 
vanities,  to  hold  fast  unto  truth,  and  wash 
yourselves  in  His  blood,  that  you  may  be 
clean  from  your  old  uncleanness.  Here  I 
present  you  my  best  salutations,  and  here 
for  the  last  time  can  I  say,  Peace  be  unto 
you.  Mourn  not  at  all,  but  be  glad  of  heart 
and  in  ease  of  mind.  I  beseech  you,  O  brother 
Abraham,  to  kiss  for  me  the  hands  of  mother ; 
take  care  of  her  and  of  brother  David.  I 
pray  to  God  our  Creator,  that  he  may  make 


FAREWELL  LETTER.  H7 

easjr  to  you  the  way  of  life  and  prosper  your 
affairs,  and  be  with  you  in  all  circumstances. 
Now  I  pray  you  present  my  salutations  to  all 
relations  and  friends,  especially  from  one  go- 
ing to  leave  this  vain  world.  May  God  the 
Master  preserve  you  from  all  evil  and  trouble 
and  danger,  and  keep  you  in  all  good. 

"  I  have  written  this  while  able  to  do  so, 
but  without  date,  since  I  know  not  when  I 
shall  be  called  away. 

"  Your  brother, 

"  ANTONIO, 
"  Son  of  Joseph,  son  of  Daher  the  Bishallany,  from  So- 
lee  ma,  on  mount  Lebanon." 

COPY  OF  THE  ACCOMPANYING  NOTE. 

"  Mr.  J.  C.  H This  is  the  letter  which 

ought  to  be  sent  after  you  shall  bury  me,  or 
after  my  death,  to  my  home,  but  not  before ; 
for  it  contains  the  explanation  of  my  disease, 
and  (it  is)  the  last  letter  they  will  receive 
from  me  in  this  transitory  world.  Dear  sir, 
I  am  the  person  that  your  goodness  has  con- 
ferred (favor)  upon. 

"  I  am,  with  much  regard,  yours, 

•  VO.  BISHALLANY. 

Bishallany.  \  2 


178  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

"  I  beg  you  that  it  be  directed  to  Mr. 
George  C.  Hurter,  Beirut,  and  lie  will  direct 
it  to  rny  home." 

What  a  consolatory  letter,  and  how  full  of 
affection !  Separation  and  trial  had  not  di- 
minished his  love  for  his  endeared  relatives. 
From  the  statement  received  from  his  Syrian 
friend  Abdallah  el  Watwat,  that  Antonio's 
mother  and  brother  Abraham  were  continu- 
ally sending  letters  inquiring  after  him,  we 
infer  that  the  alienation  of  feeling  and  hos- 
tility they  indulged  at  the  period  of  his  leav- 
ing home  had  in  a  measure  worn  off,  or  per- 
haps given  place  to  renewed  attachment  and 
confidence.  Antonio  must  have  received 
this  intimation  with  peculiar  pleasure,  and 
felt  the  emotions  of  reciprocal  affection  glow 
with  fresh  ardor.  Love  to  his  mother  espec- 
ially seemed  to  be  a  striking  and  beautiful 
feature  of  his  character,  and  her  image,  now 
as  he  was  about  to  leave  the  world,  arose 
vividly  before  his  mind  and  revived  the  ten- 
derest  recollections.  He  could  not  die  with- 
out sending  this  last  pledge  of  his  undying 
love.    With  what  earnest  entreaty  he  writes  : 


LONGING  FOR  CHRIST.  H9 

"I  beseech  you,  O  brother,  to  kiss  for  me 
the  hands  of  mother;  take  care  of  her  and 
brother  David."  It  reminds  us  of  the  divine 
Redeemer,  who,  expiring  upon  the  cross, 
looked  with  filial  affection  upon  his  mother, 
and  said  to  a  disciple,  "  Behold  thy  mother : 
and  from  that  time  the  disciple  took  her  unto 
his  own  home." 

But  devoted  as  was  Antonio's  heart  to  his 
earthly  friends  and  kindred,  he  had  a  dearer 
Friend  in  heaven — Jesus  his  Elder  Brother, 
his  compassionate  Saviour  who  died  for  his 
redemption.  He  had  committed  to  him 
all  his  material  interests,  and  found  him  to 
be  his  all-sufficient  support  upon  earth,  and 
now  he  longed  to  be  associated  with  him  in 
glory.  "I  go  happy,  reaching  forward  to 
join  my  Saviour."  The  presence  of  Christ 
constitutes  the  chief  blessedness  of  heaven. 
There  he  will  reveal  his  glory,  and  pour  joy 
unspeakable  into  the  souls  of  his  saints.  And 
the  dying  Christian  contemplates  the  vision 
of  his  face  as  the  consummation  of  his  fond- 
est hopes.  To  see  the  King  in  his  beauty,  to 
be  sheltered  in  his  arms,  to  enjoy  his  smiles 
and  favor,  to  hear  his  voice,  and  walk  with 


180  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

hiru  in  white  on  the  golden  streets  of  the 
new  Jerusalem,  forms  his  highest  idea  of 
happiness.  Panl  desired  to  be  with  Jesus. 
John  wrote  of  seeing  him  as  he  is ;  and  Da- 
vid exclaimed,  "I  shall  behold  thy  face  in 
righteousness."  And  Antonio  only  mani- 
fested a  heart  in  unison  with  these  ancient 
servants  of  God,  when  "  he  reached  forward 
to  join  his  Saviour,  the  Saviour  of  all  who 
come  to  him." 

The  hope  which  this  precious  child  of  God 
cherished  was  an  anchor  to  his  soul  while 
tossed  upon  the  rough  waters,  driven  by  the 
tempest  of  affliction  and  suffering.  He  look- 
ed to  heaven,  and  in  the  dazzling  blaze  of  its 
glory  earth  vanished  out  of  his  sight.  He 
had  enough  of  it,  and  had  no  longer  any  de- 
sire for  it.  A  light  came  from  the  future  to 
illumine  the  present,  and  the  sufferings  of 
this  life  were  forgotten  in  the  joy  that  was 
approaching.  A  beam  of  sunshine  emanated 
frpm  the  throne  of  God,  and  dispelled  the 
clouds  of  sorrow  and  changed  the  rain-drops 
into  forms  of  light  and  beaut}*.  In  this  bright 
and  joyous  anticipation  of  the  future  he  cheer- 
fully resigned  his  interest  in  present  good, 


CHRISTIAN  PEACE.  181 

patiently  endured  his  sufferings,  calmly  wait- 
ed the  time  of  his  departure,  and  amid  the 
gloom  of  a  sick  and  lonely  chamber  called  up 
beautiful  visions  and  bright  fancies,  such  as 
would  come  at  the  bidding  of  a  mind  familiar 
with  the  images  and  pictures  of  the  sacred 
Scriptures.  The  Holy  Bible  was  the  ground 
of  his  hope,  and  the  exceeding  great  and 
precious  promises  were  no  doubt  the  subject 
of  sweet  reflection  and  the  source  of  rich 
consolation  during  this  period  of  his  illness. 

"With  his  faith  resting  on  this  blessed  word 
of  God,  he  could  contemplate  death  with  com- 
posure, and  speak  of  his  expected  decease  as 
an  event  of  agreeable  anticipation.  He  could 
take  his  pen  and  write  to  his  friends  in  Syria 
announcing  his  approaching  end,  and  speak 
of  it  as  one  would  speak  of  an  intended  jour- 
ney or  visit  to  a  distant  place.  It  was  not  a 
forbidding  or  repulsive  thought,  but  one  full 
of  cheering  and  delightful  emotions.  "  I  am 
truly  happy  in  separating  from  the  world.  I 
hope  to  meet  you  before  the  Judge  purified 
from  sin ;  there  like  the  angels  of  the  Father 
in  unity,  without  separation,  and  live  togeth- 
er in  a  new  world  without  end." 


182  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

What  an  instructive  and  consoling  epistle 
was  this  to  be  sent  from  a  dying  Christian  to 
his  friends  in  Syria.  What  a  testimony  to 
the  reality  and  supporting  power  of  evangeli- 
cal faith,  to  be  transmitted  to  those  who  knew 
not  the  pure  gospel  of  salvation.  Who  can 
estimate  the  effect  of  a  letter  written  under 
such  circumstances,  in  a  spirit  so  kind,  and 
uttering  truths  so  solemn  and  impressive? 
May  not  God  bless  these  affecting  appeals  of 
Antonio,  penned  on  the  confines  of  the  eter- 
nal world,  to  the  conversion  of  his  mother 
and  brothers,  and  gather  them  all  into  the 
fold  of  Christ  ? 

A  second  kind  letter  was  received  by  our 
sick  brother  from  his  excellent  friend  Mrs. 

St.  J ,  which  must  have  been  grateful  to 

his  heart. 

"Richfield  Springs,  July  26,  185G. 

"My  dear  Friend  Antonio — I  am  very 
happy  to  hear  you  are  so  surrounded  with 
kind  friends  and  comforts,  and  only  regret 
that  it  is  not  my  privilege  to  see  you  and 
bear  a  part  in  contributing  to  your  comfort; 
but  I  can  and  do  offer  my  feeble  prayers  for 
you,  that  as  your  day  is,  so  may  your  strength 


FRIENDLY  LETTERS.  183 

be.  I  am  now  writing  you,  Antonio,  on  the 
little  table  that  you  occupied  so  often  last 
summer,  with  the  Bible  you  loved  so  much  to 
study.  I  never  see  it  without  thinking  of  you, 
and  only  wish  that  I  could  read  it  as  profita- 
bly as  you  did.  And  now  as  each  day  is  tak- 
ing you  nearer  to  your  Father's  mansion,  it 
is  only  the  selfishness  of  friends  that  would 
wish  your  stay  on  earth  to  be  prolonged,  for 
we  have  the  blessed  consolation  of  knowing 
that  our  sorrow  is  not  the  sorrow  of  those 
who  have  no  hope,  and  that  your  gain  would 
be  very  great. 

"  Has  my  dear  pastor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tyng, 
called  to  see  you  ?  I  know  he  will,  so  soon  as 
he  learns  of  your  illness;  it  is  his  delight 
to  do  good,  and  his  presence  always  imparts 
comfort  in  a  sick-room,  for  he  loves  to  speak 
of  Jesus ;  and  what  is  there  besides  Him  that 
can  sustain  and  strengthen  us  on  our  bed  of 
sickness  and  pain  ?  I  know  that  will  be  your 
strong-hold,  together  with  faith  in  a  covenant- 
keeping  God. 

"  I  remain  your  sincere  friend, 

"  E.  ST.  J." 

The  connection  of  Antonio  with  the  semi- 


184  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

nary  at  Amenia  was  productive  of  much 
pleasure  both  to  himself  and  to  the  teachers 
and  pupils.  His  affable  manners  and  ear- 
nest piety,  together  with  a  natural  simplicity 
of  character,  won  their  esteem.  His  sickness 
and  removal  from  the  institution  were  deeply 
regretted;  but  although  absent,  he  was  not 
forgotten.  Sincere  and  permanent  Mends 
were  created  among  his  fellow-students,  es- 
pecially among  those  whose  opinions  and 
feelings  on  religious  things  flowed  in  the 
same  channel  with  his.  Such  could  not  fail 
to  love  him  for  his  real  excellence,  and  to 
seek  the  advantage  of  his  Christian  inter- 
course. Of  these  was  the  writer  of  the  fol- 
lowing letter,  which  testifies  his  abiding  af- 
fection. 

"Amenia,  August  15,  1856. 

"Kespected  Friend — It  is  several  weeks 
since  I  received  a  letter  from  your  friend  Mr. 
H ,  informing  me  of  your  failure  in  re- 
turning to  Syria,  and  your  severe  illness. 

"I  had  thought  to  hear  a  very  different 
story  from  you — that  your  health  was  becom- 
ing better,  and  that  you  would  be  permitted 
to  fulfil  and  accomplish  the  labor  chosen  by 


FRIENDLY  LETTERS.  185 

the  blessing  of  God :  but  it  is  otherwise ;  and 
though  we  cannot  see  how  or  what  his  plans 
are,  yet  we  can  feel  that  he  knows  best,  and 
will  order  all  for  his  own  glory  and  the  high- 
est good  of  those  who  love  him.  I  recollect, 
in  reading  the  life  of  Obookiah,  that  he  was 
almost  ready  to  go  to  his  native  land  with  a 
good  education  and  brilliant  talents  and  fer- 
vent love  to  Christ,  and  by  a  mysterious 
providence  he  was  struck  down  in  the  height 
of  his  hopes;  but  the  sympathy  which  was 
awakened  by  his  death  led  several  who  were 
preparing  to  preach  the  gospel  to  turn  their 
attention  to  the  Sandwich  islands,  and  so  his 
death  was  the  means  of  doing  more  good 
than  his  life  could  have  been.  And  though 
you  may  not  do  what  you  wished,  yet  it  is 
God's  work,  and  he  will  take  care  of  it.  It 
may  be  that  in  the  same  way  or  in  another 
salvation  will  be  spread  in  Syria. 

"  The  Saviour's  presence  must  be  very 
dear  to  you  in  your  sickness;  and  I  know 
that  he  is  near  to  those  who  trust  in  him. 

"  My  father  died  a  little  more  than  a  year 
ago,  and  his  disease  was  the  same  as  yours; 
but  his  trust  in  Christ  was  firm,  and  he  long- 


186  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ed  to  go  and  be  with  him :  when  he  spoke  he 
would  almost  seem  enraptured.      And  with 
the  hope  that  we  may  all  be  fitted  for  his 
coming,  I  bid  you  an  affectionate  farewell. 
"  Sincerely  your  friend, 

"  S.  A.  S." 

Antonio's  chief  source  of  sorrow  was  his 
being  disabled  from  returning  to  preach  the 
gospel  in  his  native  land.  This  was  the  great 
desire  of  his  heart,  for  which  he  had  forsaken 
his  country,  faced  the  perils  of  the  sea,  come 
to  a  strange  land,  and  labored  to  acquire  the 
knowledge  of  our  language.  He  longed  to 
bear  the  message  of  salvation  to  his  breth- 
ren, his  kindred  according  to  the  flesh,  and 
had  looked  forward  with  holy  joy  to  the 
period  when,  as  a  herald  of  the  cross,  he 
should  speak  of  Jesus  and  him  crucified  to 
those  who  were  enshrouded  in  the  gloom  of 
ignorance  and  superstition.  Disappointed  in 
his  cherished  expectations,  he  thought  with 
bitter  grief  of  the  evils  he  might  have  miti- 
gated, and  the  good  he  might  have  accom- 
plished, had  he  gone,  and.  was  ready  to  ex- 
claim, Alas,  my  people,  who  will  go  for  your 
deliverance?    who  will    cause    the    light    of 


A  CONSOLATION.  187 

evangelical  truth  to  shine  upon  your  be- 
nighted land?  The  suggestion  that  his  death 
might  accomplish  even  more  than  his  life 
met  his  case.  He  was  ready  to  die  for  the 
gospel's  sake;  for  with  Paul  he  could  say,  "I 
am  ready  not  to  be  bound  only,  but  also  to 
die  for  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus."  It  was 
an  animating  thought  that  his  removal  from 
earth  might  be  the  precious  seed  from  which 
other  laborers  might  spring,  and  that  thus 
a  rich  harvest  of  souls  might  be  gathered, 
though  his  own  lips  should  be  closed  in  the 
silence  of  the  tomb. 

The  sorrows  of  our  friend,  from  whatever 
source  they  came,  were  alleviated  by  the 
power  of  a  living  faith  beholding  the  reali- 
ties of  another  world.  Jesus  was  near  him, 
and  his  smiles  shed  peace  upon  his  soul.  God 
was  ripening  him  for  heaven,  staying  his  feet 
more  firmly  upon  the  Rock  of  ages,  and  draw- 
ing his  soul  upwards  towards  himself. 

About  this  period  Antonio  addressed  a  let- 
ter   to    Mr.    H ,   in   which    we   see    the 

strength  of  his  faith  in  the  gospel,  and  its 
influence  upon  his  heart,  as  well  as  that  ten- 
der affection  and  gratitude  which  were  so 


188  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

beautifully   manifested  towards    those   who 
ministered  to  his  comfort. 

"  My  beloved  Mr.  J.  C.  H. : 

"  Dear  Sir — I  believe  that  after  our  sepa- 
ration from  this  transitory  world,  your  benef- 
icent and  sympathizing  heart  will  feel  sor- 
row on  my  account.  But  let  us  now  use  the 
language  of  the  apostle,  who  said,  '  For  here 
we  have  no  continuing  city,  but  we  seek 
one  to  come.'  I  believe  that  God  at  first 
made  the  universe,  and  man  after  all ;  for  it 
is  only  to  show  him  the  marvellous  hand- 
work of  his  Maker,  and  to  muse  himself  in  it 
for  a  while,  being  the  garden  and  not  the  con- 
tinuing home.  So  it  is,  my  dear  sir,  your 
beneficence  has  not  left  any  thing  in  the 
world  that  I  wanted  and  you  have  not  done  it. 
You  have  done  to  me  as  Christ  did  to  Laz- 
arus ;  for  you  have  showed  me  gladness,  joy, 
and  glory  more  than  that  which  I  had  expect- 
ed. But  all  these  things  are  strength  to  my 
belief,  and  prove  to  me  the  sureness  of  the 
gospel.  For  it  is  said  the  gospel — in  them 
that  are  saved,  and  them  that  perish — to  the 
one  is  the  savor  of  death  unto  death,  and  to 


TO  A  DEAR  FRTEND.  189 

the  believer  the  gospel  is  the  savor  of  life 
unto  life.  For  the  gospel  opened  the  gate  of 
heaven,  and  by  the  same  gospel  the  gate  of 
hell  is  opened.  Yes,  I  knew  it  by  experience  : 
in  the  time  of  my  investigation  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, and  different  doctrines  and  laws,  I  be- 
came infidel ;  then  I  felt  that  I  was  standing 
on  the  gate  of  hell,  and  was  going  to  step 
into  it.  But,  lo,  the  voice  of  the  prophet 
Ezekiel,  saying  unto  me,  '  Turn  ye,  turn  ye 
from  your  evil  ways ;  for  why  will  you  die  ?' 
Ezek.  33  :  11.  And  Christ  crying,  '  Come  ye 
all  unto  me,  and  ye  shall  live.'  And  he  said 
also,  ■  The  dead  shall  hear  the  voice  of  the 
Son  of  God,  and  they  that  hear  shall  live.' 
Then  I  said  in  myself,  I  will  hear  these  voices 
and  follow  them  and  try  them,  and  see  wheth- 
er all  these  sayings  are  sure.  But  I  found 
them  to  be  a  strong  high  Rock  of  salvation, 
and  strong  high  rock  of  destruction ;  mighty 
to  save,  and  mighty  to  destroy — mighty  to 
destroy  them  only  who  deny  the  gospel,  the 
savor  of  death  unto  death.  When  I  was  far 
from  him,  I  was  dead ;  but  when  I  heard  his 
voice,  I  lived  with  you  in  the  kingdom  of 
Christ,  having  been  dead.   For  the  kingdom  of 


190  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 

Christ  in  this  world  is  the  happiness  of  Chris- 
tians, that  they  may  be  able  to  prepare  for 
that  which  is  to  come.  Therefore  I  am  not 
dying,  bnt  going  to  my  eternal  home,  the 
everlasting  kingdom,  to  praise  him  with  the 
angels  of  his  Father  in  heaven.  Therefore 
rejoice  at  this,  and  be  glad ;  therefore  I  leave 
unto  you  my  peace  and  my  love. 
"Your  beloved, 

"AO.  BISHALLANY." 

"  Soon  after  entering  the  hospital,"  writes 

Mr.   H ,    "he   entirely   threw   aside   his 

books  and  put  his  house  in  order  for  another 
world.  For  some  time  previous  to  his  death, 
he  expressed  his  wishes  as  to  what  should 
be  done  when  he  should  cease  to  be.  He 
had  written  a  letter  in  Arabic  to  his  friends 
in  Syria,  announcing  his  death,  which  he  de- 
sired to  be  forwarded  after  his  decease.  He 
wished  his  Arabic  clothes  to  be  sent  home, 
where  they  could  be  worn  and  be  of  use ;  and 
saddened  me  much  on  one  occasion  bv  insist- 
ing  that  I  should  remove  his  books  and  oth- 
er effects,  which  he  desired  me  to  keep.  He 
was  much  delighted  by  a  ride  through  Green- 


HOSPITAL  SCENE.  191 

wood  Cemetery,  and  I  promised  that  when 
he  died  he  should  be  buried  there." 

Mr.  Darrach  the  superintendent  was  sen- 
sibly impressed  with  the  striking  qualities  of 
Antonio.  He  not  only  was  pleased  to  render 
his  situation  as  comfortable  as  possible,  but 
found  special  gratification  in  presenting  to 
him  the  consolations  of  the  gospel.  In  the 
different  interviews  he  held  with  him,  he  was 
often  surprised  and  delighted  with  the  pious 
and  elevated  sentiments  that  would  drop 
from  his  lips,  expressions  of  attachment  to 
the  Bible,  forcible  illustrations  of  scriptural 
truth,  and  sudden  outbursts  of  joy  at  the  dis- 
covery of  the  glory  of  Christ  and  the  pros- 
pect of  heaven.  One  of  these  remarkable 
occasions  he  thus  records  : 

"During  the  evening  twilight  of  a  day, 
about  two  weeks  since,  I  sat  at  the  bedside 
of  our  deceased  friend  Antonio  Bishallany. 
I  had  presented  various  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture, and  from  the  lives  of  Christians,  confirm- 
atory of  the  necessity  of  submission  to  the 
divine  will,  as  preparatory  to  fuller  and  more 
complete  assimilation  of  the  human  charac- 
ter to  that  of  the  divine,  and  greater  fitness 


192  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

for  the  enjoyment  of  holy  society.  For  the 
purpose  of  ascertaining  his  assent  to  the 
views  I  had  presented,  I  closed  my  remarks 
with  the  words,  '  You  believe  these  views  ?' 
with  an  interrogative  accent. 

"  Our  friend  received  my  query  as  expres- 
sive of  doubt  on  my  part  of  his  fall  belief  in 
the  Scriptures.  After  a  satisfactory  explana- 
tion to  remove  such  impression,  he  rose  in 
his  bed,  and  with  a  much  more  than  usual 
strength  of  voice,  addressing  me  by  name,  he 
uttered  these  words : 

" '  I  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  book  of 
revelation,  the  book  of  knowledge,  the  book 
of  wisdom,  the  book  of  salvation,  the  book  of 
life ;  to  it  I  devoted  my  life. 

" '  Mr.  Darrach,'  he  repeated  with  strong 
emphasis,  '  you  place  a  copy  of  the  Bible  in 
my  coffin,  and  let  it  be  buried  with  me.' 

To  a  friend  who  made  a  morning  call  and 
asked  how  he  was,  he  replied,  "  I  am  unwell ; 
through  the  mercy  of  God,  Christ  is  all  to 
me,  and  I  am  all  to  him."  When  asked  if  he 
feared  to  die,  he  answered,  "  Oh  no ;  he  says 
to  me, '  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  man- 
sions;' why  should  I  fear?"     His  faith  was 


HIS  LAST  DAYS.  193 

simple  and  confiding  like  that  of  a  little  child. 
He  seemed  to  rest  entirely  on  the  teaching  of 
the  Bible,  and  Christ  therein  revealed  as  the 
Saviour  of  sinners. 

"  For  several  days  previous  to  his  death," 

continues  the  narrative  of  Mr.   H ,  "he 

did  not  eat,  the  difficulty  of  swallowing  being 
so  great,  and  he  remarked  that  it  was  useless 
to  prolong  his  sufferings.  I  saw  him  on  the 
morning  of  the  day  he  died.  He  seemed  to 
be  perfectly  at  rest.  His  eyes  were  fixed  as 
if  gazing  upon  something,  and  a  pleasant 
smile  played  upon  his  features.  He  did  not 
notice  any  thing,  not  even  my  entering  or 
presence.  The  nurse  however  approached 
him,  and  asked  him  if  he  knew  me ;  without 
any  change  of  position,  he  uttered  my  name, 
which,  so  far  as  I  know,  were  his  last  words. 
I  added  an  inquiry  as  to  his  state  of  mind  in 
view  of  the  great  change  awaiting  him,  to 
which  he  paid  no  seeming  attention,  and 
gave  no  response — his  gaze  continuing  fixed, 
a  placid  smile  resting  upon  his  features.  His 
breathing  became  heavy,  and  soon  his  spirit 
took  its  flight "  to  the  arms  of  that  Saviour 
whom  he  so  ardently  loved. 

Bishallany.  13 


194  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

Thus  lie  expired,  on  the  22d  of  August, 
1856,  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine  years ;  and  it 
is  a  coincidence  worthy  of  notice,  that  his 
birth,  his  departure  from  Syria,  and  his  death 
occurred  on  the  same  day  of  the  same  month, 
August  22. 

Agreeably  to  Antonio's  request,  Mr.  Dar- 
rach  placed  a  copy  of  the  Bible  with  its  opened 
leaves  upon  his  breast,  as  he  reposed  in  his  cof- 
fin, and  it  was  deposited  with  him  in  the  tomb. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  on  Sabbath 
afternoon,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Jones,  Milburn, 
and  Dr.  Crooks  officiating.  Although  at  a 
season  of  the  year  when  very  many  of  his 
friends  were  out  of  the  city,  and  every  cler- 
gyman who  was  acquainted  with  him,  yet  a 
goodly  number  met  to  pay  their  last  respects. 
His  remains  were  conveyed  to  Greenwood 
Cemetery.  Alot  was  subsequently  purchased, 
and  beneath  a  simple  tombstone  rests  all  that 
is  mortal  of  Antonio  Bishallany. 

"  Thou  art  gone  to  the  grave,  but  we  will  not  deplore  thee, 

Though  sorrow  and  darkness  encompass  thy  tomb  ; 

The  Saviour  hath  passed  through  its  portals  before 

thee, 

And  the  lamp  of  his  love  is  thy  guide  through  its 

gloom." 


THE  WAY   OF  PEACE.  195 

"Would  you  thus  peacefully  enter  the  eter- 
nal world,  rejoicing  like  the  weary  traveller 
at  reaching   his   home?      Then   build  your 
hoj^es,  as  did  Antonio,  upon  the  "  high  Rock 
of  salvation."     Jesus  has  laid  an  immovable 
basis  for  the  confidence,  peace,   and  hopes 
of  men  in  his  atoning  sacrifice,  and  he  in- 
vites you  to  repose  in  him  all  your  immor- 
tal  interests.      "  Other   foundation    can   no 
man  lay,  than    that  is  laid,  which  is  Jesus 
Christ."      They  who  build  elsewhere  build 
their  house  upon  the   sand,  which  will  be 
swept  away  by  the   coming  tempest.     But 
here  is  a  sure  refuge  for  poor  sinners,  and 
Jesus  freely  invites  vou  to  come  and  trust  in 
him.     He  who  looked  with  pitying  eye  upon 
the  poor  Syrian,  loves   you  and  -anxiously 
seeks  your  happiness.     He  came  from  heav- 
en and  died  that  you  might  live.     He  has 
long  knocked  at  the  door  of  your  heart,  im- 
ploring admission ;  and  if  you  will  open  the 
door,  he   will   come   in   and   fill   your    soul 
with  peace.     He  is  able  and  willing  to  save. 
His  righteousness  is  adequate  to  cover  your 
guilt,  and  his  Spirit  to  renew  and  sanctify 
your  heart.     All  that  you  need  to  atone  for 


196  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

sin,  to  give  peace  to  jour  conscience,  to  en- 
lighten your  mind,  to  strengthen  you  for 
duty,  to  support  you  in  trial,  and  to  fit  you 
for  heaven,  is  secured  to  you  in  Christ,  who 
with  himself  will  freely  give  you  all  things. 
Only  believe,  and  he  will  be  your  Saviour ; 
and  being  yours,  you  will  have  nothing  to 
fear,  for  "  there  is  no  condemnation  to  them 
who  are  in  Christ  Jesus." 

Devote  yourself  to  Christ  in  the  spirit  of 
entire  consecration,  not  only  to  be  saved  by 
him,  but  to  love  and  serve  and  honor  him  by 
a  life  of  active  usefulness.  Catch  his  spirit 
and  imitate  his  example  who  went  about 
doing  good.  Like  Antonio,  desire  to  live 
that  you  may  do  something  for  Christ ;  and 
having  labored  for  his  cause,  and  blessed  the 
world  by  your  Christian  influence,  your  dying 
hours  will  be  cheered  by  the  retrospect  of  a 
life  well  spent ;  and  instead  of  having  the  in- 
scription upon  your  gravestone,  Here  lies  one 
who  did  nothing  for  Christ,  your  epitaph 
will  be,  "  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in 
the  Lord  from  henceforth.  Yea,  saith  the 
Spirit ;  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labors, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them." 


HIS  TOMB. 


191 


The  tombstone  denoting  the  resting-place 
of  our  departed  friend  is  white  marble,  with 


198  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

a  granite  base.-"  Sculptured  upon  it  are 
figures  of  a  lion,  a  serpent,  and  a  lamb,  de- 
signed to  represent  his  fearlessness,  wisdom, 
and  blamelessness ;  and  upon  a  raised  shield 
beneath  is  the  inscription : 

"  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY, 

BORN  NEAR  BEIRUT,  SYRIA, 
AUGUST  22,  1827. 

DIED  IN  NEW  YORK,  AUGUST  22,  1856. 

"  EDUCATED  A  MARONITE  CATHOLIC,  HE  FOUND, 
AFTER  LONG  AND  EARNEST  EXAMINATION  AMTD 
TRIALS  AND  DANGERS,  THAT  THE  SCRIPTURES 
HAYE  THE  WORDS  OF   ETERNAL  LIFE. 

"OBEDIENT  TO  THE  COMMAND  OFTEN  UPON 
HIS  LIPS,  'FREELY  YE  HAYE  RECEIYED,  FREELY 
GIYE,'  HE  CAME  TO  AMERICA  TO  PREPARE  FOR 
MISSIONARY  LABOR,  AND  STUDIED  WITH  UNABAT- 
ED ZEAL. 

"  BUT  GOD  SENT  DISEASE  TO  CALL  HIM  HOME. 

*  For  the  guidance  of  those  who  would  wish  to  visit 
the  grave  of  our  Christian  brother,  we  would  say  that 
it  is  located  on  Sassafras  avenue,  in  Greenwood  Ceme- 
tery, lot  10,197,  section  181. 


THE  INSCRIPTION.  199 

HIS  MANY  FRIENDS  REGARD  HIM  AS  A  MAN  WHO 
KNEW  NO  FEAR,  BLAMELESS  BEYOND  REPROACH, 
AND  SINGULARLY  WISE  TO  OYERTHROW  ERROR 
AND  UPHOLD  TRUTH. 

"READER,  WILL  YOU  MEET  HIM  IN  HEAVEN?" 


200  ANTONIO    BISHALLANY. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

COXCLUSIOX. 

Since  the  decease  of  our  interesting  friend, 
the  Rev.  Andrew  J.  Hunt,  the  Principal  of 
the  Anienia  Seminary,  has  furnished  the  fol- 
lowing beautiful  tribute  to  his  character. 

"  My  first  acquaintance  with  Antonio  was 
in  the  autumn  of  1855.  I  was  at  that  time  in 
charge  of  the  Amenia  Seminary,  and  after 
hearing  from  a  friend  the  story  of  the  young 
Syrian's  conversion,  was  very  glad  to  under- 
take the  direction  of  his  studies,  and  give 
such  aid  as  I  might  in  preparing  him  for  his 
chosen  work.  On  his  first  coining  to  the 
school,  I  had  some  anxiety  lest  his  oriental 
peculiarities  might  expose  him  to  the  jokes 
of  thoughtless  or  mischievous  boys;  and 
knowing  of  no  better  protection  for  him  than 
the  charm  of  his  own  story,  I  briefly  related 
to  the  students,  before  Antonio's  appearance 
among  them,  the  leading  incidents  of  his  his- 
tory. He  was  at  once  the  hero  of  the  school. 
The  young  men  vied  with  one  another  in 


A  TEACHER'S  TRIBUTE.  201 

showing  him  kind  attentions,  and  I  do  not 
remember  that  he  suffered  any  inconvenience 
or  disrespect  during  all  the  time  that  he 
spent  in  the  institution.  Indeed  there  was 
that  in  the  gentleness  of  his  ways  and  sim- 
plicity of  his  spirit,  brightened  often  by  the 
play  of  true  humor,  which,  aside  from  the  in- 
terest of  his  life,  would  secure  him  friends  in 
any  society.  Even  the  roughest  nature  felt 
the  attraction  and  restraint  of  his  genuine 
spirituality. 

"  As  a  student  he  labored  under  great  dis- 
advantages from  his  imperfect  acquaintance 
with  our  language,  but  his  zeal  for  study 
knew  no  bounds.  He  was  eager  to  under- 
take tenfold  more  than  he  could  accomplish, 
though  yielding  quietly  to  such  direction  and 
restraint  as  I  found  it  necessary  to  give.  Any 
labor  or  denial  he  counted  small,  if  only  he 
might  become  prepared  to  return  to  his  na- 
tive Syria  and  labor  as  a  missionary  among 
his  own  people.  His  health  was  very  mani- 
festly impaired,  and  he  often  seemed  to  real- 
ize that  his  time  was  short ;  but  this  convic- 
tion only  seemed  to  intensify  his  desire  and 
endeavor.     'I  am  in  the  afternoon,'  he  said 


202  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

to  me  one  day ;  '  I  am  late  in  the  afternoon : 
I  must  make  haste ;  I  want  to  learn  all  I  can ; 
the  sun  is  almost  down.  I  pray  Him  to  let 
me  live;  but  if  not,'  and  he  pointed  upward, 
while  the  eagerness  on  his  face  changed  to  a 
look  of  sweet  submission — '  but  if  not,  I  am 
ready,  always  ready.' 

"His  strength  failed  so  rapidly  that  he  was 
not  able  to  make  any  great  proficiency  in  his 
studies,  but  did  enough  to  show  capacities  of 
no  ordinary  rank.  His  perceptions  were  clear 
and  direct,  and  there  was  a  certain  alertness 
about  his  mental  powers  that  gave  peculiar 
vivacity  to  all  his  ideas  and  expressions. 
There  were  few  persons  in  the  house  whose 
conversation  was  more  uniformly  entertain- 
ing. The  English  Bible  he  had  not  only 
read  but  studied,  until  he  seemed  perfectly 
familiar  with  all  its  parts;  and  I  often  sat 
and  listened  in  surprise  to  his  comments  on 
the  prophecies  and  the  inner  meaning  of  the 
profounder  passages  of  the  holy  word.  And 
this  brings  me  to  say  that  it  was  mainly  as  a 
Christian  that  Antonio  laid  such  strong  claim 
to  my  interest.  The  romance  of  his  history, 
together  with  his  pleasant  simplicity  of  man- 


A  TEACHER'S  TRIBUTE.  203 

ners  and  eager  thirst  for  knowledge,  made 
him  distinguished  among  my  pupils;  but  it 
was  his  religious  character  that  has  given 
him  a  permanent  place  in  my  memory.  Per- 
haps I  shall  best  characterize  his  piety  by 
saying  that  it  was  preeminently  a  life  of  faith. 
It  was  always  refreshing  to  us  in  our  social 
meetings,  hampered  as  we  too  often  were  by 
our  fears  and  distrust,  to  witness  Antonio's 
simple  and  entire  reliance  upon  God's  word. 
It  did  not  seem  to  occur  to  him  to  doubt ;  but 
he  really  received  the  Bible  just  as  it  is,  and 
believed  it,  promises  and  all.  Nor  was  this  an 
unproved  faith ;  it  had  been  sorely  tried :  he 
had  made  great  sacrifices  for  Christ ;  he  had 
given  up  father,  mother,  friends,  home,  posses- 
sions, well-nigh  all  that  a  man  holds  dear  in 
this  life ;  but  his  faith  made  all  this  loss  gain. 
I  remember  that  once,  after  alluding  to  these 
sacrifices  with  much  tenderness,  he  repeated 
the  promise  of  our  Saviour,  Matt.  19 :  29,  and 
went  on  to  thank  the  Lord  for  its  rich  fulfil- 
ment to  him.  'I  have  left  my  great  good 
mother,'  he  said,  'but  God  has  given  me  a 
thousand  mothers  in  this  country.  Every 
man  is  my  father  and  my  brother.'    His  fam- 


204  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ily  attachments  were  very  strong ;  and  though 
he  had  been  sternly  banished  from  home, 
and  rejected  by  his  dearest  relatives,  he  never 
ceased  to  pray  for  them.  '  Oh  Son  of  God,  I 
pray  you  send  out  your  Spirit  and  save  them 
from  their  sins  !'  was  a  prayer  often  upon  his 
lips,  and  uttered  very  manifestly  from  the 
depths  of  his  heart.  To  go  back  and  tell  the 
story  of  the  cross  in  his  native  land  was  a 
longing  desire  that  seemed  almost  like  a  con- 
suming fire  within  him.  But  God  had  other 
plans  for  his  servant. 

"  It  was  but  little  that  I  had  been  able  to 
do  for  him,  and  yet  such  was  his  thankful- 
ness that  he  would  persist  in  treating  me 
with  a  sort  of  oriental  deference,  little 
knowing  that  in  spirit  I  always  sat  at  his 
feet.      In  midsummer  I  went  abroad  for  a 

» 

few  months.  My  good-by  to  Antonio  was 
saddened  by  the  fear  that  I  should  not  be- 
hold his  face  again.  He  had  gone  from  Ame- 
nia  when  I  returned,  and  before  I  could  visit 
him  in  New  York,  I  heard  that  he  had  enter- 
ed into  his  rest. 

"  Poor  Antonio !  we  used  often  to  say  as  we 
thought  of  his  banishment  from  home,  and 


A  TEACHER'S  TRIBUTE.  205 

saw  from  day  to  day  his  struggle  with  pain 
and  disappointment.  Rich,  happy  Antonio  ! 
my  heart  said  as  I  heard  of  his  release.  He 
lost  fields  and  gardens  and  home  and  friends, 
yea,  and  life  itself;  but  he  gained  Christ,  and 
went  speedily  to  dwell  with  him  in  the  para- 
dise of  God. 

" '  Now  of  a  lasting  home  possessed, 
He  goes  to  seek  a  deeper  rest. 
Good-night :  the  day  was  sultry  here, 

In  toil  and  fear  ; 
Good-night :  the  night  is  cool  and  clear.' " 

The  Eev.  Cyrus  D.  Foss,  successor  of  Mr. 
Hunt  in  the  Amenia  Seminary,  writes :  "  An- 
tonio's history  was  certainly  a  remarkable 
one,  for  one  so  brief.  His  conversion  was 
surely  little  short  of  a  miracle.  It  seems  to 
disprove  Dr.  Durbin's  favorite  theory,  that 
the  gospel  must  come  to  a  man  by  means  of 
a  human  tongue  in  order  to  be  effectual.  It 
is  surely  a  matter  of  most  profound  gratitude 
to  God,  that  his  Spirit  should  find  out  that 
poor  Syrian  in  a  distant  land,  and  bring  him 
to  the  cross.  Antonio  appreciated  this.  My 
heart  was  once  deeply  moved  in  a  prayer- 
meeting  to  hear  him  say,  from  a  full  heart, '  I 


206  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

thank  you  that  yon  sent  your  Saviour  to  me 
way  down  in  Syria.'  And  it  was  often  the 
burden  of  his  devout  praise  that  there  was 
one  Saviour  for  all  men. 

"  He  exhibited  in  beautiful  combination  an 
ardent  zeal  to  do  good  to  his  countrymen, 
and  an  entire  submission  to  the  will  of  God. 
He  made  very  rapid  advancement  in  the 
acquisition  of  all  knowledge,  especially  the 
divine.  When  he  first  came  here,  he  told 
me  he  read  the  Bible  in  English,  but  pray- 
ed in  Arabic — that  he  thought  God  could  not 
understand  English  without  an  interpreter. 

"  I  was  surprised  many  times  at  Antonio's 
deep  and  extensive  knowledge  of  Scripture. 
He  would  often  ask  me  the  meaning  of  dif- 
ferent texts,  and  would  express  views  of  his 
own  which  would  do  credit  to  any  divine. 

"  He  has  gone  to  a  good  school.  It  would 
seem  as  though  it  would  be  well  if  he  might 
have  lived  to  preach  the  gospel  to  his  coun- 
trymen ;  but  '  He  doeth  all  things  well.' 

" '  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
His  wonders  to  perform.' 

"We  may  stand  before  his  strange  providen- 
ces and  wonder,  but  not  complain." 


INSTRUCTIVE  LESSONS.  20T 


INSTEUCTIVE  LESSONS. 

This  brief  memoir  furnishes  an  eminent  in- 
stance of  the  truth  and  controlling  poiver  of  the 
sacred  Scriptures. 

He  whose  character  and  history  we  have 
endeavored  to  describe  was  a  Bible  Chris- 
tian. From  the  Bible  he  learned  the  way  of 
life,  by  its  influence  on  the  conscience  he  was 
convinced  of  sin,  and  by  the  reception  of  its 
offered  grace  he  obtained  forgiveness,  spirit- 
ual life,  and  happiness.  He  came  to  it  as 
the  word  of  God,  and  with  implicit  faith  re- 
lied upon  its  teachings,  believed  its  promises, 
and  accepted  the  Saviour  whom  it  revealed. 
He  felt  it  as  a  living  principle  in  his  soul,  cre- 
ating him  anew  into  the  divine  image,  vitaliz- 
ing all  his  moral  powers,  controlling  his  opin- 
ions, affections,  and  practice,  and  filling  him 
with  the  subhmest  hopes  and  richest  conso- 
lation. It  was  a  new  volume  to  him,  for  its 
blessed  pages  had  been  concealed  from  his 
view;  and  having  now  access  to  these  living 
oracles,  and  seeing  that  they  testified  of  Je- 


208  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

sus  and  made  known  the  way  of  salvation  to 
perishing  men,  he  entered  npon  their  inves- 
tigation with  all  the  ardor  of  one  desiring  to 
know  the  only  true  God  and  Jesus  Christ 
whom  he  had  sent.  He  applied  to  the  study 
of  the  Bible  all  the  vigor  of  his  intellect  and 
the  earnestness  of  his  heart.  And  knowing 
his  need  of  divine  illumination,  he  sought 
the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  His  re- 
searches were  not  in  vain.  He  was  taught 
of  God,  and  though  laboring  under  great  dis- 
advantages, he  acquired  a  wonderful  insight 
into  the  mind  of  the  Spirit.  Intelligent  Chris- 
tians listened  with  surprise  and  delight  to  his 
expositions  of  prophecies  and  his  explanation 
of  the  more  profound  passages  of  God's  word. 
He  advanced  ideas  that  would  do  credit  to 
a  divine,  and  exhibited  a  familiarity  with  the 
sacred  volume  that  might  be  envied  by  oth- 
ers enjoying  far  greater  facilities  for  biblical 
study.  He  was  able  to  give  a  reason  for  the 
hope  that  was  in  him,  to  contend  for  the  faith 
of  the  gospel,  and  to  hold  a  controversy  with 
intelligent  and  learned  men  in  defence  of  the 
great  principles  of  evangelical  truth. 

His  knowledge  of  the  Bible  was  not  deriv- 


INSTRUCTIVE  LESSONS.  209 

eel  from  Iranian  aid,  but  from  tlie  book  itself, 
comparing  scripture  with  scripture,  and  ob- 
serving the  coincidence  of  God's  truth  with 
the  operations  of  the  Christian  heart.  He 
approached  the  Bible  with  the  heart  as  well 
as  the  head,  and  learned  not  simply  the  out- 
ward letter,  but  the  inward,  spiritual  import 
of  the  word.  He  that  doeth  my  Father's 
will,  "shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it 
be  of  God."  The  Spirit  shall  guide  his  peo- 
ple into  all  truth.  There  is  a  beauty  and 
clearness  and  richness  and  spiritual  import 
which  some  minds  discern  in  the  Scriptures 
beyond  what  is  perceived  by  others.  Hum- 
ble, unlearned  disciples  of  Jesus  sometimes 
far  excel  the  more  intellectual  though  less 
pious  follower  of  Christ  in  this  spiritual  in- 
sight into  the  word  of  God.  They  may  be 
more  sensible  of  the  need  of  a  direct  influ- 
ence from  above;  and  looking  for  the  Spirit 
to  open  their  eyes  and  to  reveal  his  mind  in 
the  printed  page,  they  do,  in  ansvvTer  to  prayer 
and  in  fulfilment  of  God's  promise,  behold 
wondrous  things  in  his  law.  It  was  so  with 
this  devoted,  humble,  praying  servant  of 
Christ.   He  seemed  to  gain  access  to  the  very 

Bisballany.  \  4 


210  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

fountain  of  light ;  and  the  celestial  beams 
resting  upon  the  holy  book  brought  out  its 
spiritual  meaning  into  visible  characters, 
bright  and  beautiful,  revealing  the  mind  of 
God.  He  read  them  with  wonder  and  rever- 
ence and  joy,  and  felt  their  sanctifying  and 
illuminating  power. 

But  it  was  not  by  idle  musing  or  dreamy 
contemplation  that  Antonio  acquired  his 
knowledge  of  the  Bible ;  he  studied  it  with 
untiring  diligence.  He  remarked  to  a  friend, 
that  "if  a  person  would  seek  for  treasure 
concealed  in  a  house,  he  must  not  simply 
sweep  the  floor,  but  tear  up  the  boards  and 
look  beneath  the  surface ;  that  the  treasures 
of  the  Bible  were  deep  down,  and  must  be 
dug  out  by  daily  toil."  It  was  thus  he  la- 
bored to  understand  the  sacred  volume,  and 
found  that  "  the  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh 
rich." 

As  was  natural  to  one  recently  converted, 
our  friend  thought  he  had  a  clearer  percep- 
tion of  the  meaning  of  the  sacred  record  than 
most  persons.  And  indeed,  while  he  labored 
under  many  disadvantages,  the  fact  of  his 
being  a  native  of  the  country  where  the  Bi- 


LIFE  IN   THE  EAST.  211 

ble  originated,  and  where  most  of  its  scenes 
were  laid,  gave  him  a  great  advantage  in 
understanding  the  holy  volume.  Many  pas- 
sages in  the  Scriptures  received  light  from 
knowing  the  customs  and  habits  of  eastern 
countries,  the  style  of  architecture,  mode  of 
cultivating  the  land,  the  dress  and  language 
of  the  people.  We  can  learn  these  things 
from  authors  who  have  described  them;  but 
no  description  can  give  so  vivid  an  impres- 
sion as  they  have  who  have  been  residents 
of  the  East,  and  been  familiar  from  child- 
hood with  the  scenery  of  the  country,  the 
aspect  of  their  cities  and  villages,  their  rural 
customs,  implements  of  labor,  and  domestic 
habits.  "With  all  these  Antonio  was  famil- 
iar; and  in  reading  the  Scriptures  he  could 
do  so  as  an  Oriental,  and  readily  see  the 
force  and  beauty  of  any  allusion  to  or  illus- 
tration drawn  from  the  objects  of  nature  or 
art,  or  from  the  customs  and  manners  of  the 
people.  He  felt  this,  and  with  his  native 
earnestness  and  forcible  gestures  would  say 
to  those  with  whom  he  was  conversing,  "Oh, 
you  do  not  see  the  force  of  that  passage  ;  you 
Americans  cannot  see  the  rich  beauty  of  the 


212  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

Bible ;  you  must  live  where  the  Saviour  lived 
and  spoke,  and  where  the  apostles  wrote,  to 
understand  and  admire  this  book  of  God." 

What  an  example  is  here  for  our  imitation. 
Were  Christians  to  study  the  Bible  with  the 
interest  with  which  this  humble  Arab  did, 
what  rich  attainments  might  they  make  in 
divine  knowledge ;  what  acquaintance  might 
they  gain  with  the  glorious  doctrines,  holy 
precepts,  and  precious  promises  of  the  sa- 
cred word ;  what  an  insight  into  the  plan  of 
redemption,  the  fulness  and  grace  of  Christ, 
the  faithfulness  of  God's  covenant,  and  the 
glories  of  another  world ;  what  spiritual  life 
and  holy  devotion  and  sacred  joy  would  they 
experience ;  what  support  in  sorrow  and 
what  rich  provision  would  they  gather  for 
passing  over  Jordan.  Antonio  loved  his 
Bible ;  it  was  his  meditation  by  day  and  by 
aight.  When  he  came  to  die  he  rested  upon 
it ;  and  not  wilhng  even  then  to  part  with  his 
cherished  treasure,  he  begged  his  Christian 
brother  to  place  it  on  his  breast  in  his  coffin 
and  let  it  go  with  him  into  the  silence  of  the 
grave. 

Other  Christians  have  loved  the  Scriptures, 


THE  BOOK  DIVINE.  213 

and  borne  testimony  to  their  power.  "There 
is  no  book  in  the  universe,"  said  the  renown- 
ed Selden,  "upon  which  we  can  rest  our  souls 
in  a  dying  moment,  but  the  Bible."  "  The 
gospel,"  says  Locke,  "  has  God  for  its  author, 
salvation  for  its  end,  and  truth  without  any 
mixture  of  error  for  its  matter."  "  I  have  led 
but  a  lonely  life,"  said  the  shepherd  of  Salis- 
bury plain,  "and  often  have  but  little  to  eat, 
but  my  Bible  has  been  meat,  drink,  and  com- 
pany to  me ;  and  when  want  and  trouble  have 
come  upon  me,  I  do  n't  know  what  I  should 
have  done  indeed,  if  I  had  not  had  the  prom- 
ises of  this  book  for  my  stay  and  support." 
A  pious  relative  of  the  writer,  who  for  many 
years  found  her  chief  happiness  in  the  truths 
of  God's  word,  when  about  to  leave  the  world, 
said  to  a  Mend,  "Bring  me  my  precious  Bi- 
ble; it  has  been  my  comfort  under  all  the 
trials  and  sorrows  of  life :  place  it  under  my 
head,  and  let  it  be  my  support  in  a  dying 
hour." 

Bring  me  my  Bible,  book  divine, 
In  it  the  Saviour's  glories  shine  ; 
Oft  has  it  quelled  my  rising  fears, 
And  wiped  away  my  falling  tears. 


214  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

From  early  youth  to  ripened  age, 
I  've  loved  to  read  its  holy  page  ; 
And  still  its  promises  impart 
Rich  consolation  to  my  heart. 

Now  called  to  pass  through  death's  dark  shade, 

On  it  I  wish  to  lean  my  head  ; 

And  free  from  sorrow  and  from  care, 

To  breathe  my  soul  out  sweetly  there. 

If  such  be  the  value  of  the  Bible,  what  ob- 
ligations are  we  under  to  circulate  it  abroad, 
that  men  may  experience  the  benefits  it  prof- 
fers. How  adapted  is  it  to  elevate  the  tone 
of  public  morals,  to  restrain  the  vicious,  and 
purify  society.  How  wholesome  the  precepts 
it  inculcates  and  the  prohibitions  it  utters  in 
counteracting  those  sinful  practices  that  dis- 
honor our  country  and  expose  it  to  the  judg- 
ments of  God,  and  in  promoting  those  virtues 
that  tend  to  national  prosperity.  What  a 
blessing  is  the  Bible  even  in  a  temporal  point 
of  view,  by  promoting  industry,  economy,  in- 
tegrity in  business,  harmony  and  friendship, 
personal  and  domestic,  and  public  peace  and 
tranquillity.  But  it  brings  infinitely  greater 
blessings.  It  comes  to  men  as  sinners,  and 
reveals  a  divine   and   all-sufficient  Saviour, 


DUTY  TO  ROMANISTS.  215 

one  who  is  able  and  willing  to  save  to  the 
uttermost  all  who  come  unto  God  by  him. 
It  furnishes  a  remedy  both  to  human  guilt 
and  depravity,  opens  to  the  soul  sources  of 
happiness  adapted  to  its  boundless  desires 
and  immortal  nature,  and  applies  an  anti- 
dote to  the  ills  and  woes  of  our  present  im- 
perfect condition.  Patriotism  and  Christian 
benevolence  demand  that  the  Bible  be  dis- 
seminated throughout  our  land,  that  it  be 
read  in  the  public  schools,  so  that  its  influ- 
ence may  be  felt  upon  the  thousands  of  youth 
who  are  to  become  the  future  citizens  of  the 
nation  ;  and  philanthropy  and  religion  re- 
quire that  it  be  sent  forth  to  enlighten  the 
dark  places  of  the  earth,  and  hasten  the  day 
when  "the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  know- 
ledge of  the  Lord  as  the  waters  cover  the 
sea." 

The  conversion  of  Antonio  also  suggests 
the  claim  of  Roman-catholics  upon  our  Chris- 
tian sympathy,  and  the  means  of  benefiting  them. 

He  was  himself  a  bigoted  Maronite  Cath- 
olic, devoted  to  his  own  peculiar  views  and 
filled  with  prejudice  against  all  other  sects ; 


216  ANTONIO   BISHALLANY. 

ready  to  persecute  those  who  differed  from 
him,  and  believing  that  salvation  was  con- 
fined to  the  Eomish  church,  while  all  Prot- 
estants were  heretics,  and  as  such  would  be 
accursed.  But  what  changed  his  views  and 
transformed  his  whole  nature  from  that  of  a 
blind  and  superstitious  bigot  to  that  of  a 
humble,  intelligent,  and  devoted  Christian? 
The  prayerful  study  of  the  Bible.  This 
taught  him  the  errors  of  the  church  in  which 
he  had  been  reared,  led  him  to  feel  his  re- 
sponsibility for  his  belief,  and  to  search  for 
the  truth  as  revealed  in  the  word  of  God. 
The  more  he  searched,  the  more  he  was  con- 
vinced of  his  personal  guilt  in  the  sight  of 
God,  and  the  fearful  delusion  which  had  rest- 
ed upon  his  mind.  At  length  he  came  to  Je- 
sus ;  and  renouncing  all  righteousness  of  his 
own,  accepted  him  by  faith,  and  became  jus- 
tified through  the  merits  of  Christ.  He  re- 
fused any  longer  to  follow  the  guidance  of 
priests — false  teachers,  as  he  called  them — 
who  had  cruelly  withheld  from  the  people  the 
word  of  God ;  but  sought  the  guidance  of  the 
inspired  volume.  He  absented  himself  from 
the  places  of  Catholic  worship,  and  became 


DUTY  TO  ROMANISTS.  217 

an  avowed  Protestant.  The  love  of  Christ 
filled  his  heart,  and  he  lived  and  died  in  the 
faith  of  the  gospel.  If  the  reading  of  the 
Bible  was  so  beneficial  to  Antonio,  why  may 
it  not  be  so  to  the  thousands  and  millions  of 
souls  involved  in  the  same  superstition?  The 
Eomish  church  know  that  such  would  be  the 
effect,  and  therefore  forbid  the  reading  of  the 
Protestant  Bible  to  those  under  her  control; 
consequently  multitudes  of  intelligent  and 
immortal  beings  are  kept  in  ignorance  of  the 
truth,  and  know  not  the  way  of  life.  The 
poorer  class  of  that  community  are  greatly 
to  be  pitied,  shut  out  as  they  are  from  all 
opportunities  of  obtaining  correct  religious 
knowledge.  They  dare  not  read  the  Bible; 
they  dare  not  enter  a  Protestant  church,  or 
attend  worship  in  a  Protestant  family,  or  re- 
ceive a  Protestant  tract.  Taught  to  believe 
that  their  salvation  or  ruin  is  in  the  hands  of 
the  priest,  his  power  over  them  is  absolute, 
and  they  submit  implicitly  to  his  instructions 
and  commands.  Thus  they  walk  in  dark- 
ness in  the  midst  of  noonday  light ;  and  while 
in  a  gospel  land,  surrounded  by  all  the  means 
of  religious    knowledge    and    improvement, 


218  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

they  grope  amid  the  gloom  of  moral  mid- 
night. 

Let  the  condition  of  the  Catholic  world 
awaken  a  deep  interest  to  spread  the  light  of 
truth.  Though  it  may  be  difficult  to  gain 
access  in  general  to  those  whose  prejudices 
are  strongly  arrayed  against  the  Protestant 
faith,  yet  there  are  instances  when  one  and 
another,  like  Antonio,  have  moral  courage  to 
receive  and  read  the  Bible.  Multitudes  in 
our  own  country  have  been  induced  by  kind 
and  conciliatory  treatment  to  accept  both 
books  and  oral  instruction  from  those  who 
gave  evidence  of  their  desire  to  do  them  good. 
In  foreign  lands  wide  fields  of  usefulness  are 
open.  The  people  are  seeking  the  light. 
With  the  progress  of  civil  liberty  in  Italy 
and  other  countries,  religious  freedom  also 
advances ;  and  men,  throwing  off  the  tram- 
mels of  kingly  power  and  priestly  domina- 
tion, are  asking  for  the  word  of  God.  Let  it 
be  sent  forth  to  diffuse  its  influence  among 
the  masses,  and  substitute  an  evangelical  re- 
ligion in  the  place  of  the  lifeless  forms  and 
unmeaning  ceremonies  of  the  papal  church. 
Then  shall  freedom  of  thought,  of  conscience, 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  219 


• 


and  of  speech  prevail  in  the  down-trodden 
nations  of  Europe;  and  under  the  influence 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  a  pure  gospel,  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  will  triumph  and  God  be 
glorified. 

The  missionary  spirit  of  our  departed 
brother  also  deserves  our  imitation. 

It  was  like  a  fire  burning  in  his  bones,  and 
nothing  but  the  interposing  providence  of 
God,  prostrating  his  strength  and  cutting 
short  his  life,  could  deter  him  from  carrying 
out  his  cherished  purpose.  The  cause  of 
missions,  and  his  own  anticipations  of  enter- 
ing the  field  of  labor,  were  a  subject  on  which 
he  loved  to  think ;  and  when  he  thought  of 
it,  it  enkindled  his  soul  with  fervid  emotion 
and  aroused  all  the  enthusiasm  of  his  nature. 
Naturally  of  ardent  temperament  and  ani- 
mated manner,  when  his  feelings  became  en- 
listed in  conversation  upon  his  favorite  and 
interesting  theme,  he  would  break  forth  with 
the  fiery  spirit  of  the  Arab,  and  exhibit  an 
impetuosity  of  utterance  and  gesture  that 
was  perfectly  startling,  and  produced  the 
conviction  that  the  sentiments  he  advocated 


220  A.NTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

came  from  the  very  depths  of  his  heart.  A 
gentleman  who  was  engaged  as  his  teacher 
when  temporarily  residing  in  New  York,  thus 
vividly  describes  his  anxiety  to  become  a  mis- 
sionary, and  his  earnest  and  impassioned  in- 
terest in  the  subject  of  evangelizing  his  native 
land. 

"  Hoping  against  hope,  the  young  man 
wished  to  prosecute  his  studies,  wished  to 
return  to  preach  Christ  crucified  to  his  own 
kindred  and  nation.   Unable  longer  to  attend 

school,  Mr.   H -,  desiring  to  gratify  his 

mind,  or  possibly  hoping  himself  for  favora- 
ble symptoms  in  the  summer,  employed  the 
present  writer  to  give  Antonio  lessons  at  his 
boarding-house.  The  writer  has  listened  to 
his  late  enthusiastic  young  friend  as  he  ex- 
patiated on  the  utter  ignorance,  superstition, 
and  degradation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Asia 
Minor ;  has  heard  him  denounce  with  all  the 
fervor  of  a  fiery  Arab  the  wrongs  done  to  his 
race  by  the  bigoted  Turk  and  still  more  wick- 
ed Greek.  His  panacea  for  all  the  evils  of  his 
fatherland  was  the  gospel,  the  gospel,  the  gos- 
pel. That,  he  said,  would  make  them  free, 
enlightened,  and  happy.     He  was  a  perfect 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  221 

enthusiast  for  the  Saviour.  On  all  other 
subjects  calm,  cool,  and  collected;  on  this  he 
was  strong,  zealous,  and  dogmatic. 

"  When  speaking  of  the  missionary  efforts 
in  Syria  his  eyes  would  gleam  like  fire,  his 
nostrils  would  dilate  like  those  of  a  war- 
horse  when  it  snuffs  the  battle  afar,  his  ut- 
terance would  become  rapid  and  vehement, 
and  his  whole  form  would  expand  until  he 
appeared  much  larger  than  he  really  was. 
At  such  times  he  reminded  one  of  Saladin 
and  Malek,  the  great  conquerors  who  defied 
all  the  attempts  of  the  lion-hearted  Richard 
to  recover  the  tomb  of  the  Saviour." 

Noble  youth,  how  much  of  moral  beauty 
and  grandeur  marked  his  character !  "What 
elevation  of  spirit !  And  how  distinguished 
was  he  by  those  principles  and  virtues  that 
constitute  real  excellence — an  enthusiast  for 
Christ,  and  burning  with  unquenchable  zeal 
to  preach  his  gospel  and  bring  souls  to  his 
cross,  that  the  Saviour  might  be  glorified 
and  sinners  be  saved. 

What  an  example  to  Christians  of  devo- 
tion to  the  cause  of  missions,  and  how  adapt- 
ed to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  young  men 


222  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

their  obligation  to  make  a  personal  consecra- 
tion of  themselves  to  the  work  of  carrying 
the  gospel  to  the  destitute  and  imevangelized 
portions  of  the  earth. 

The  field  is  the  world,  and  God  designs  the 
gospel  to  be  proclaimed  wherever  human  be- 
ings are  found.  Millions  are  living  in  pagan 
darkness  amid  the  debasing  practice  of  gross 
idolatry  and  beastly  vice,  having  no  know- 
ledge of  the  true  God  and  only  Saviour ;  and 
millions  more,  though  nominally  Christians, 
are  involved  in  the  deepest  error  and  super- 
stition. Here  and  there  through  the  vast 
domain  of  heathenism  a  single  missionary 
lifts  his  feeble  voice,  or  a  little  band  of  labor- 
ers endeavor  to  make  some  impression  on 
the  mighty  bulwarks  of  Satan ;  but  what  can 
so  few  accomplish  against  the  formidable  ob- 
stacles which  stand  in  the  way  of  evangeliz- 
ing the  world?  To  supply  an  amount  of 
labor  adequate  to  the  emergency,  there  ought 
to  be  six  hundred  missionaries  where  there 
is  one.  And  the  demand  for  additional  help 
is  rendered  daily  more  imperative  by  the 
providence  of  God  opening  new  doors  of  ac- 
cess to  nations  hitherto  closed  against  the 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  223 

introduction  of  the  gospel.  The  revolutions 
of  empires,  the  spread  of  civil  liberty,  the 
progress  of  intelligence,  and  the  operations 
of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon  the  hearts  of  men, 
combine  to  awaken  a  desire  to  receive  the 
written  and  the  preached  word.  Jehovah  is 
shaking  the  nations  and  preparing  the  world 
for  the  universal  dissemination  of  divine 
truth.  The  fields  are  white  for  the  harvest, 
and  laborers  are  needed  to  take  the  sickle 
and  gather  the  ripened  grain.  Oh  that  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  would  send  forth  labor- 
ers into  his  harvest. 

Antonio  gazed  on  these  fields  with  intense 
interest,  and  his  heart  panted  with  desire  to 
participate  in  the  privilege  of  carrying  home 
the  golden  sheaves.  Could  we  have  seen 
him,  exiled  from  his  father's  house,  forsaking 
his  kindred  and  country,  and  coming  to  a 
strange  land — could  we  have  seen  him,  with 
an  emaciated  form  and  hectic  fever  and 
hoarse  cough,  still  plying  his  books,  and 
hoping  against  hope,  striving  to  surmount 
every  obstacle,  that  he  might  carry  the  news 
of  salvation  to  his  own  people,  we  should 
have  been  rebuked  for  our  apathy,  and  in- 


224  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

cited,  it  may  be,  to  a  loftier  sense  of  Christian 
obligation. 

He  was  a  missionary  in  spirit,  if  not  in 
actual  service:  he  had  all  the  qualities  of 
one — a  heart  glowing  with  love  and  zeal,  an 
entire  consecration  to  his  Master's  canse, 
and  a  readiness  to  live  or  to  die  for  Him. 
His  name  may  well  be  inscribed  on  the  same 
roll  with  Martyn  and  Swartz  and  Abeel  and 
Pohlman  and  others  who  went  forth  to 
preach  the  gospel,  and  who  died  in  the  ser- 
vice of  their  divine  Master.  His  heart  was 
in  unison  with  theirs,  and  had  the  Master 
permitted  his  work,  he  would  have  been  alike 
faithful. 

Christian  young  men,  though  Antonio  be 
dead,  he  yet  speaks,  and  eloquently  appeals 
to  you  in  behalf  of  a  cause  that  to  him  was 
transcendently  great  and  inspiring.  That 
cause  needs  the  personal  consecration  and 
efforts  of  young  men  of  piety  and  intelligence, 
who  are  willing  to  forego  the  gratifications 
and  comforts  of  home,  and  to  go  to  labor  and 
die,  if  needs  be,  in  foreign  lands  as  ambassa- 
dors of  the  cross. 

We  admire  the  self-denial  and  valor  with 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  225 

which  the  youth  of  our  country  have  left 
their  homes  and  rushed  to  save  the  nation 
from  impending  ruin;  but  while  ready  thus 
to  brave  danger,  suffering,  and  death  in  the 
cause  of  patriotism,  will  they  not  be  willing 
to  enlist  in  the  service  of  Christ,  and  enter- 
ing the  enemy's  territory  with  the  sword  of 
truth,  endeavor  to  bring  a  rebellious  world 
into  subjection  to  the  authority  of  Zion's 
King  ? 

By  the  love  of  that  divine  Missionary  who, 
sent  by  the  Father,  came  from  heaven  to 
earth  and  proclaimed  the  glad  tidings  of  great 
joy  to  our  sinful  race;  by  the  value  of  mill- 
ions of  immortal  beings  now  ignorant  of  the 
only  way  of  salvation ;  by  the  woes  and  deg- 
radation of  pagan  lands,  where  idolatry  and 
superstition  and  the  grossest  vice  prevail ;  by 
the  honor  and  authority  of  that  Redeemer 
who  has  intrusted  us  with  his  gospel,  with 
the  commission  to  preach  it  to  all  nations; 
and  by  the  present  and  everlasting  joy  of 
myriads  who  might  be  gathered  into  the  fold 
of  Christ,  were  they  told  the  story  of  his  suf- 
ferings and  death,  be  entreated  to  give  the 
subject  your  calm  and  prayerful  consider  a- 

Bishallany.  15 


226  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

tion,  and  decide  whether  your  duty  is  not  to 
occupy  some  point  in  the  wide  field  of  foreign 
destitution,  either  in  the  heathen  world  or 
the  unevangelized  nations  of  Europe,  Asia, 
or  South  America,  and  become  the  centre  of 
an  influence  that  will  be  benign  and  saving 
upon  vast  regions  now  unblest. 

Would  that  Christians  longed  as  did  An- 
tonio for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  over  the 
benighted  nations  of  the  earth.  He  believed 
there  was  a  power  in  it  to  renew  and  sanctify 
the  heart,  to  curb  the  passions  and  lusts  of 
men,  and  change  even  a  polluted,  stupid,  and 
cruel  pagan  into  an  humble  child  of  God; 
and  he  believed  that  if  the  truths  of  the 
Bible,  either  preached  or  read,  were  brought 
to  the  knowledge  of  his  own  people,  they 
would  become  like  himself,  evangelical  Chris- 
tians— the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus.  The  prayers  he  offered  for  Syria  are 
being  answered.  The  morning  star  is  shin- 
ing upon  that  land,  and  we  trust  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  will  arise.  Through  the  labors 
of  Messrs.  Smith,  Thompson,  Whiting,  Cal- 
houn, and  other  faithful  missionaries,  the 
gospel  is  disseminated,  and  is  producing  its 


MISSIONARY  SPIRIT.  227 

saving  fruits.  The  Bible  has  been  printed 
and  published  in  the  Arabic  language,  and  is 
making  progress  among  the  people ;  churches 
have  been  organized,  native  converts  are  co- 
operating in  efforts  to  promote  the  cause  of 
the  Redeemer,  and  the  Lord  is  smiling  upon 
the  good  work. 

Who  is  there  that  has  been  convinced  of 
the  divine  origin  of  the  gospel,  of  its  delight- 
ful nature  and  peaceful  tendency — who  is 
there  that  has  ever  felt  its  transforming 
power  on  his  own  soul,  but  will  sincerely  de- 
sire and  earnestly  pray  and  faithfully  labor 
that  its  glad  tidings  may  be  proclaimed  to 
all  nations,  and  that  under  its  benign  influ- 
ence this  sin-stricken  world  may  be  redeem- 
ed from  the  curse,  and  become  beautiful  as 
Eden,  and  pleasant  as  the  garden  of  the 
Lord. 


228  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 


SCKIPTURE   SELECTIONS   BY 
ANTONIO. 

Among:  the  papers  left  by  Antonio,  was  a 
manuscript  containing,  in  his  own  hand- 
writing, numerous  passages  of  Scripture. 
We  select  a  few  of  them,  from  which  it  is 
evident  that  he  regarded  the  word  of  God  as 
the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  and  con- 
sidered the  errors  that  prevail  as  resulting 
from  following  false  teachers  instead  of  di- 
vine revelation. 

"  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but  try 
the  spirits  whether  they  are  of  God :  because 
many  false  prophets  are  gone  out  into  the 
world."     1  John  4:1. 

"  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God 
of  Israel:  Let  not  your  prophets  and  your 
diviners,  that  be  in  the  midst  of  you,  deceive 
you,  neither  hearken  to  your  dreams  which 
ye  cause  to  be  dreamed."     Jer.  29  : 8. 

"  Then  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  The  proph- 
ets prophesy  lies  in  my  name :  I  sent  them 
not,  neither  have  I  commanded  them,  neither 


SCRIPTURE  SELECTIONS.  2^9 

spake  unto  theni :  they  prophesy  unto  you  a 
false  vision  and  divination,  and  a  thing  of 
naught,  and  the  deceit  of  their  heart."  Jer. 
14 :  14. 

"For  many  shall  come  in  my  name,  say- 
ing, I  am  Christ;  and  shall  deceive  many. 
And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,  and  de- 
ceive many."     Matt.  24  : 5,  11. 

"  Beware  of  false  prophets,  which  come  to 
you  in  sheep's  clothing,  but  inwardly  they 
are  ravening  wolves."     Matt.  7  :  15. 

"  Now  the  Spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that 
in  the  latter  times  some  shall  depart  from  the 
faith,  giving  heed  to  seducing  spirits  and 
doctrines  of  devils ; 

"Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy;  having  their 
conscience  seared  with  a  hot  iron ; 

"Forbidding  to  marry,  and  commanding 
to  abstain  from  meats,  which  God  hath  cre- 
ated to  be  received  with  thanksgiving." 
1  Tim.  4  : 1-3. 

"  For  it  is  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God 
and  prayer."     1  Tim.  4  : 5. 

"  Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is 
come,  he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth :  for  he 
shall  not  speak  of  himself;  but  whatsoever 


230  ANTONIO   BISHALLANT. 

he  shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak :  and  he 
will  show  you  things  to  come."    John  16  :  13. 

"But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy 
Ghost,  whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my 
name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and 
bring  all  things  to  your  remembrance.  John 
14 :  26. 

"But  evil  men  and  seducers  shall  wax 
worse  and  worse,  deceiving,  and  being  de- 
ceived."    2  Tim.  3  :  13. 

"But  continue  thou  in  the  things  which 
thou  hast  learned  and  hast  been  assured  of, 
knowing  of  whom  thou  hast  learned  them." 
2  Tim.  3  :  14. 

"  But  there  were  false  prophets  also  among 
the  people,  even  as  there  shall  be  false 
teachers  among  you,  who  privily  shall  bring 
in  damnable  heresies,  even  denying  the  Lord 
that  bought  them,  and  bring  upon  themselves 
swift  destruction."     2  Pet.  2  : 1. 

"Be  not  carried  about  with  divers  and 
strange  doctrines :  for  it  is  a  good  thing 
that  the  heart  be  established  with  grace  ;  not 
with  meats,  which  have  not  profited  them 
that  have  been  occupied  therein."  Hebrews 
13:9. 


SCRIPTURE  SELECTIONS.  231 

"  That  we  henceforth  be  no  more  children, 
tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried  about  with  ev- 
ery wind  of  doctrine,  by  the  sleight  of  men, 
and  cunning  craftiness,  whereby  they  lie  in 
wait  to  deceive."     Eph.  4  :  14. 

"For  they  that  are  such  serve  not  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  but  their  own  belly ;  and 
by  good  words  and  fair  speeches  deceive  the 
hearts  of  the  simple."     Rom.  16  :  18. 

"But  unto  them  which  are  called,  both 
Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the  power  of  God, 
and  the  wisdom  of  God."     1  Cor.  1 :  24. 

"  For  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  gospel  of 
Christ :  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  sal- 
vation to  every  one  that  believeth."  Eom. 
1:16. 

"  In  whom  are  hid  all  the  treasures  of  wis- 
dom and  knowledge."     Col.  2  : 3. 

"  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and  are 
heavy-laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest."  Matt. 
11 :  28. 

"  Take  my  yoke  upon  you,  and  learn  of 
me  ;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart :  and 
ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls."  Matt. 
11 :  29. 

"Thus  said  the  Lord,  Stand  ye  in   the 


232  ANTONIO  BISHALLANY. 

ways,  and  see,  and  ask  for  the  old  paths, 
where  is  the  good  way,  and  walk  therein, 
and  ye  shall  find  rest  for  your  souls.  But 
they  said,  We  will  not  walk  therein."  Jer. 
6:16. 

"  And  I  say  unto  thee,  That  thou  art  Peter, 
and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church ; 
and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against 
it."     Matt.  16  :  18. 

"  Wisdom  is  better  than  rubies,  and  all  the 
things  that  may  be  desired  are  not  to  be 
compared  to  it."  "  Whoso  findeth  me  find- 
eth  life,  and  shall  obtain  favor  of  the  Lord." 
Prov.  8  :  11,  35. 

"  But  he  that  sinneth  against  me  wrongeth 
his  own  soul.  All  they  that  hate  me  love 
death."     Prov.  11 :  36. 


92B542 

W 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARIES 


SEP  '  8  t973 

AUG  2  8  W/3 


